Pillar 05 · IP Navigator Shield™
Business Formation (LLC / DBA)
Set up the legal entity that will own your IP.
Who it's for
Every founder before filing a trademark. Your IP should be owned by an entity, not by you personally — cleaner tax treatment, liability shield, and easier to sell or license.
Typical cost
LLC filing: $50–$500 depending on state. DBA: $10–$100. Registered agent: $100–$300/yr.
Timeline
LLC formation: 1–4 weeks. DBA: same day to 2 weeks.
What it is
The business structure that holds your trademarks, copyrights, and contracts. Most solo founders form an LLC in their home state. A DBA ('doing business as') is a nickname registration, not an entity.
Why file the entity before the trademark
If you file the trademark in your personal name and later transfer it to your LLC, USPTO requires a recorded assignment (extra fees, extra risk). File the entity first, then file the trademark in the entity's name from day one.
LLC vs. DBA vs. Corporation
These are not interchangeable. Pick based on liability, taxes, and who owns your IP.
- LLC — separates personal and business assets, flexible taxes, holds IP cleanly. Best default for solo founders.
- DBA — just a name registration under an existing person or entity. No liability shield. Fine for a side hustle you'll dissolve.
- S-Corp / C-Corp — needed if you're raising venture capital or plan to have shareholders.
The 7-day setup order
Do it in this sequence to avoid rework.
- Day 1: Pick your state and file Articles of Organization
- Day 2: Get an EIN (free, 10 min at irs.gov)
- Day 3: Open a business bank account
- Day 4: Draft an operating agreement (even for single-member LLCs)
- Day 5–7: File your trademark in the LLC's name
Official resources
Free government and public sources. No login required unless noted.