Trademark And Business Setup

Summary

You can use the name Kentley Braxton if it doesnt infringe on existing trademarks. Conduct a trademark search to avoid conflicts. Issuing invoices under your personal name is possible, but registering a sole proprietorship or forming an LLC can simplify transactions. Legal risks exist if a similar name is trademarked by another company. Consider trademark registration and establishing a business entity to protect your brand and formalize operations. Consulting a local attorney for tailored advice is advisable.

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I do not have a registered company in Israel or the U.S. I do not have a sole proprietorship or business license in Israel. The name Kentley Braxton is not registered as a trademark in any country.
Hi Mike! It sounds like you're in the early stages of setting up your business identity. To further assist, could you clarify if you plan to register Kentley Braxton as a trademark or establish it as a business entity in Israel or the U.S.?
My questions are: Use of the name – Am I allowed to present myself under the name Kentley Braxton in emails, on a website, and in conversations with manufacturers (food, ceramics, energy, electricity, flooring, etc.), as long as I am not impersonating an already existing company with that name? Invoices and payments – Since I have no formal business registration at all, am I legally allowed to issue an invoice under my personal name? If not, what practical options do I have to receive legal payments from foreign manufacturers (for example: opening a sole proprietorship in Israel, or forming an LLC in the U.S.)? Legal risks – Could I face legal issues if another company in the world uses a similar name (e.g., “Braxton”), even if I am only working as an agent and not manufacturing products myself?
Hey Mike! Here are some general guidelines for your situation:
- Use of Name: You can use the name Kentley Braxton as long as it doesn't infringe on existing trademarks or mislead others. Consider checking trademark databases to ensure no conflicts.
- Invoices and Payments: You can issue invoices under your personal name, but registering a sole proprietorship may simplify things. Each country has different requirements, so consulting a local expert could help.
- Legal Risks: Using a similar name could lead to trademark issues, especially if another company has registered "Braxton" in relevant categories. Registering your name as a trademark can mitigate this risk.
If you need more specific guidance, consider consulting a legal expert in trademark law.
I would greatly appreciate a detailed answer clarifying what I am legally allowed to do at this early stage without any existing business registration in Israel, and what steps are advisable to take now to avoid legal issues in the future.
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Hey Mike! Here are some detailed steps you should consider at this early stage:
- Trademark Search: Conduct a trademark search to ensure no existing conflicts with "Kentley Braxton" to avoid potential legal issues.

- Trademark Registration: Consider registering your trade name and logo as a trademark in Israel and possibly in the U.S. to protect your brand.
- Business Structure: Consider establishing a sole proprietorship or other business entity in Israel to formalize your business operations.
- Banking and Invoicing: Open a dedicated business bank account to separate personal and business finances. This will also make invoicing more professional.
- Contracts: Ensure all agreements with manufacturers are clear and in writing to define roles, responsibilities, and payment terms.
- Legal Consultation: Consulting with a local attorney specializing in business law can provide you with tailored advice and help you navigate legal requirements.
These steps can help you formalize your business activities and mitigate risks. If you have more questions or need detailed legal assistance, a local attorney could be helpful.