I don't want someone taking my chosen name while I prepare

Ohio here too. From what I remember, you can file a trade name reservation with the Secretary of State for like $39 and it holds for 180 days. Not sure if thats still the price.

Have you considered just registering the LLC now? It's cheap and then the name is yours. You can alwa ys dissolve later if plans change.

I did the reservation thing in Texas and it was pretty straightforward. Check your state's SOS website. But honestly, if it's a common name, someone else might already have it in another state. Trademark is a whole other beast.

Yeah, the reservation only protects you within the state. If you're just local, that's probably fine.

I wouldn't stress too much. Most people aren't scanning the Ohio business name database for bakery names. Unless your name is super generic like 'Sweet Treats'—then maybe.

Also, even if someone registers it, you might be able to challenge if you've been using it in commerce. But that's lawyer territory.

What's the name? I'm curious now. You don't have to share if you don't want to.

That's a cool name. I'd just pay the $39 reservation fee and sleep better. Better than losing it over a few bucks.

Actually, in Ohio you can file a 'name reservation' online. It's under business filings on the SOS site. Takes like 10 minutes. Do it.

Or just register the LLC. It's like $99 in Ohio. Then you own it and can move forward when ready.

But if you register an LLC, you have to file annual reports and pay taxes even if you're not operating yet. So reservation might be better if you're not ready.

I second the reservation. That's what it's for. Also, check if the domain is available and grab it if you can. Social handles too. That's often more important than the state registration.

Good point about the domain. FlourAndEmber.com might be taken.

Just looked it up—flourandember.com is available. You're welcome.