Question about LLC/Trademark

8 replies
Hey guys, i have a question about LLC/Trademark. I have a mobile game coming out soon(First game,hopefully more to come) for iOS/Android devices but i have yet to really research on how to get it copyrighted or get a trademark.

I've read that it takes 1 year or several years to get a trademark so I won't be able to use the company name or the logo in the start of the game.

What I need to know is if i should go for an LLC for my game, is it worth it? What would the LLC exactly do for my game? What would it protect?

Thanks guy, any input is greatly appreciated.
#llc or trademark #question
  • Profile picture of the author Alex Blades
    Talk to a lawyer or check out Legal Zoom, they can correctly answer any questions you may have about trademarks, and LLC's
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    But I knew the one thing I might regret is not ever having tried. "

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  • Profile picture of the author CyberAlien
    An LLC isn't for protecting copyrights or anything like that and you wouldn't make the game an LLC - you'd register an LLC for your gaming company and could release am unlimited number of games - you don't need a different LLC for each game.

    Registering a copyright just requires some paperwork which you can find pretty easily by just Googling the info. I've used LegalZoom for copyrighting IM-related courses and they work great.
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  • Profile picture of the author RangeField1123
    Thanks for the reply,guys.

    So, I would basically just get the LLC for the name of the gaming company? That would be around $100?
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    • Profile picture of the author CyberAlien
      Originally Posted by RangeField1123 View Post

      Thanks for the reply,guys.

      So, I would basically just get the LLC for the name of the gaming company? That would be around $100?
      The price actually varies depending on the state.
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  • Profile picture of the author kindsvater
    Trademarks

    You can claim a trademark and use a name without it being registered with the US trademark office. Most trademarks fall into this category. Note: you do not need to even start the registration process to use a name.

    You will often see a ™ or ® next to brand names. The ® means it is a registered trademark. ™ means it is not registered. A surprising number of marks are not registered. For instance, when you see the Pillsbury Doughboy on packages of food at store ... it probably only has a ™.


    LLC

    Your form of business entity has nothing to do with trademarks. It only provides "protection" if you are not personally involved in some legal issue. For instance, if you create a LLC and infringe someone's trademark, then you and the LLC have liability. However, if your LLC hires someone to do a job and they create a legal problem, then perhaps only the LLC is liable.

    Whether to be a sole proprietor, LLC, C-Corp, or S-Corp requires an evaluation of many issues and expense. It is probably not just a $100. If you are in California you are looking at a minimum $800 yearly fee.

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    • Profile picture of the author RangeField1123
      Very helpful posts, what is the risk of just releasing a game without an LLC? I'm pretty sure, I won't get in trouble since i really didn't copy off anyone. The name of the game is pretty unique.
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  • Profile picture of the author onegoodman
    LLC will do nothing for your game.

    If you making money, and you would like to protect yourself from liability in case you get sued, ... etc. LLC is a good option for legal stand.

    You maybe looking for a patent.

    What you need at this point is a lawyer ( I wouldn't talk to LegalZoom, I don't believe they have what you looking for ). He can tell you how to protect your game.

    With that being said, I am pretty sure it is going to be costy.
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  • Profile picture of the author RangeField1123
    Thanks onegoodman. I will just get a copyright instead which costs $35 for an application.
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