When starting a business, protecting your brand is just as important as picking the perfect name. But when it comes to trademark vs registered trademarks, things can get a little confusing. You might see businesses using the ™ (trademark) symbol and others using the ® (registered trademark) symbol — but what do they actually mean? And do you need one for your business?

Understanding trademark law is crucial in this context, as it governs the use of these symbols and the legal protections they offer.

This article will explain the differences between a trademark and a registered trademark and help you understand which one might be right for your business.

What is a trademark?

A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, or design that identifies and sets apart a brand’s goods or services from competitors. Trademarks help customers recognize a business and prevent others from using something too similar that could cause confusion. A business can claim rights to a trademark just by using it in commerce — this is known as common law trademark rights.

When a business starts using a name, slogan, or logo to represent its products or services, it can add the ™ symbol to let others know it’s claiming the trademark. This symbol can be used to identify a particular word, phrase, or logo associated with a product or service. But here’s the catch — having a trademark doesn’t mean it’s legally protected nationwide. That’s where federal trademark registration comes in.

Trademarks under common law protection can still hold value, but they can be harder to enforce in a legal dispute. Without federal registration, a business may need to prove that it was the first to use the trademark in a particular geographic area, which can be a lengthy and costly process. Because of this, businesses that plan to expand often find registering their trademark to be a worthwhile investment.

Examples of well-known trademarks

Trademarks exist all around us. Here are some examples of trademarks you might recognize:

• Logos: Nike’s swoosh, McDonald’s golden arches
• Slogans: “Just Do It” (Nike), “I’m Lovin’ It” (McDonald’s)
• Brand names: Apple, Coca-Cola, Starbucks

All of these trademarks help distinguish a business and make its products easy to recognize.

What is a registered trademark?

A registered trademark is a trademark that has been officially registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Once a trademark is registered, the business can legally enforce exclusive rights to use it nationwide in connection with the goods or services listed in the registration, providing stronger protections and legal presumptions of ownership as a registered mark. That’s when you can start using the ® symbol to show that your trademark is federally protected.

In the event of legal conflicts, a federally registered trademark provides the owner with exclusive rights and a legal presumption of ownership, simplifying the enforcement of the owner’s rights and enhancing their access to legal remedies.

How businesses go from common law to a registered trademark: The trademark registration process

Many businesses start by simply using a trademark under common law rights. But as they grow, they may run into problems, such as competitors using a similar name or logo. That’s when they might decide to register their trademark for better protection. Consulting a trademark attorney or trademark filing service for guidance on trademark registration can be crucial, as they provide critical advice on navigating complex trademark laws. Once approved, they gain nationwide protection and a stronger legal claim to their brand.

Key benefits of registering a trademark

• Stronger legal protection – A registered trademark helps prevent others from using a similar mark that could confuse customers.
• Nationwide rights – Unlike common law trademarks, which only apply in the areas where a business operates, a federal registration provides protection across the U.S.
• Ability to take legal action – A business with a registered trademark has the right to sue for trademark infringement in federal court.
• Customs enforcement – Owners of registered trademarks can record their trademark with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to stop counterfeit goods from entering the country.
• Increased brand value – A registered trademark can boost a business’s reputation and help with future expansion, licensing, or franchising opportunities.
• Service marks benefits – Registering service marks provides enhanced legal protections and licensing opportunities, reinforcing a brand’s intent to secure trademark registration and potentially increasing revenue.

Having a registered trademark also makes it easier for businesses to protect their brand in the long run. If someone else tries to use a similar name or logo, the registered owner has a stronger legal claim to stop them. Additionally, it can serve as an asset if the business is sold, making it more attractive to potential buyers or investors.

Understanding Trademark Symbols

Trademark symbols are essential tools for businesses to protect their brand identity and prevent unauthorized use of their trademarks. These symbols indicate the status of a trademark, whether it is simply claimed or officially registered. Trademark symbol usage allows businesses to communicate their ownership and the level of legal protection their trademarks have.

Definition and Purpose of Trademark Symbols

Trademark symbols serve as a public notice of a business’s claim to a particular mark. They act as a warning to others that the mark is protected and that any unauthorized use could lead to legal consequences. The two most commonly used trademark symbols are the TM symbol (™) and the R symbol (®). Each symbol has a specific meaning and usage, which helps in distinguishing between unregistered and registered trademarks.

The Trademark Symbol (TM)

The TM symbol is used to indicate that a mark is intended to be a trademark, even if it is not yet registered with the USPTO. This symbol is often used by businesses to signify their claim to a mark and to put others on notice of their rights. The TM symbol can be used freely without any formal registration process, making it a useful tool for businesses that are in the early stages of establishing their brand.

The Registered Trademark Symbol (R)

The ® symbol signifies that a trademark has been officially registered with the USPTO and is protected by federal law. This registered trademark symbol can only be used once the trademark registration process is complete and the mark is officially recognized as a registered trademark. Using the ® symbol provides stronger legal protections and nationwide rights, making it a powerful tool for businesses looking to safeguard their intellectual property.

Trademark vs Registered Trademark: Key Differences

Do you need to register your trademark?

While using a trademark without registration offers some level of protection, it’s not as strong as a registered trademark. Unregistered trademarks can demonstrate intent to use a mark in commerce, but they face challenges such as regional disputes and difficulties in proving usage without registration. Here’s when registering your trademark might be a good idea:

• You’re planning to expand your business beyond your local area or state.
• You want stronger legal protection against potential trademark infringement.
• You want to prevent someone else from registering a similar name and possibly forcing you to rebrand.
• You plan to license your brand or franchise your business in the future.

If your business name is already in use by another company with a registered trademark, you may not be able to use it at all — even if you weren’t aware of the other business when you started. That’s why it’s smart to conduct a trademark search before launching your brand.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between trademark vs. registered trademark can help you decide the best way to protect your brand. If you want basic protection, using the ™ symbol might be enough. But if you want stronger legal rights and nationwide protection, registering your trademark with the USPTO is a smart move.

Whether you’re just starting or expanding your business, knowing how trademarks work can help you avoid legal issues and protect your brand identity for the long haul. If you’re unsure about whether to register your trademark, consider consulting a trademark professional or attorney for guidance.

With the right trademark protection in place, your business can stand out from competitors and build long-term brand recognition — giving you peace of mind as you grow.

Check out our in-depth post on how to protect your business idea from getting stolen – without a patent.

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If you’re a business owner, you might be wondering, what can be trademarked? Trademarks help protect brand names, logos, and other distinctive elements of a business. They prevent competitors from using similar identifiers that could confuse customers. Securing a trademark strengthens your brand, giving you legal rights to exclusive use and adding credibility to your business.

But trademarks can be a little complicated because there’s a lot to them. In this guide, we’ll walk through the essential facts of what you can trademark, what you can’t, and other essentials you need to know.

What can you trademark?

A trademark can protect a variety of intellectual property — names, words, phrases, symbols, symbols, sounds, and even colors — if they uniquely identify your brand. However, many people mistakenly believe they can trademark common words or generic phrases. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) only grants trademarks for distinctive brand elements that are actively used in commerce. USPTO handles federal trademark registration, but you can also pursue a trademark at the state level.

Technically, under common law trademark rights, you are the owner of a trademark if you’re the first to use it in commerce (even if you don’t register it). But if you need to protect your mark, you’ll find it harder to defend it unless you register it. Registration makes it easier to protect your intellectual property.

If you decide to formally register a trademark, you’ll need to apply for one. The process is time-consuming since you’ll need to make your application, prove that your mark is unique and in use, and then maintain your registration. It’s highly recommended that you get an attorney’s help if you pursue registering a trademark. 

But in the meantime, let’s walk through the basics of what you can trademark. Here are 10 things you can pursue trademark registration for.

1. Business Names

Can you trademark a business name? Yes, you can. Trademarking business names is permitted, but only if the name in question is unique and actively used in commerce.

It’s very important to keep in mind that trademarking company names is very different from registering a business name in your state (such as by forming an LLC or corporation under the name). A state business registration prevents others in your state from using the name, but it doesn’t give you nationwide protection.

For example, Coca-Cola is an existing registered trademark for the Coca-Cola Company. No other company can legally use the name Coca-Cola for beverages. 

If your business name is too generic, like “Best Pizza,” you likely won’t get a trademark for it. It’s not unique and distinct enough to warrant a trademark.

2. Logos and Symbols

A logo is one of the most common types of trademarks (sometimes called service marks). Since logos visually represent a brand, trademarking them helps prevent copycats from using a similar design. The more distinct a logo, usually the easier it is to set up trademark rights for it.

Famous examples of trademarked logos include the Nike swoosh and McDonald’s golden arches. These symbols are instantly recognizable, making them valuable brand assets. Understandably, they’re trademarked to protect them; anyone who uses these marks risks a serious lawsuit. 

3. Slogans and Taglines

You might not think of a brand motto as being a registered trademark, but it is possible to register one. To qualify as a trademark, a slogan needs to be distinctive and directly associated with your brand. Under that definition, a generic phrase like “the best burgers in town” likely wouldn’t qualify.

What does qualify? Take, for example, Nike’s “Just do it” slogan, or the McDonald’s slogan, “I’m lovin’ it.” We’ve all heard those phrases. They’re strong taglines that reinforce their brands’ identities; consumers identify those phrases with their brands immediately. That means they’re worth protecting, and that’s why they’re already existing trademarks.

4. Product Names

It’s actually a very common practice for brands to trademark their product names. It happens more than you might realize at first glance. Your iPhone is a smartphone with a trademarked name (owned by Apple Inc). The Big Mac you had for lunch is a trademarked hamburger. 

Businesses with distinct product names often choose to get a trademark to protect their brands from copycats and legal disputes. If you decide to pursue a trademark yourself, keep in mind that you can’t trademark generic terms like “smartphone” or “laptop” since they’re commonly used by everyone. You can only trademark non-generic words.

5. Sounds and Jingles

Can a sound be trademarked? Yes! If a sound is unique and strongly associated with a brand, it can qualify for trademark protection. Some common sound trademarks include the three-toned chimes of NBC, or MGM’s lion roar. 

If your business has a distinct jingle or sound effect, securing a trademark can help maintain your brand recognition.

6. Colors

A specific color can be trademarked if it’s strongly linked to a brand. Some famous examples include the iconic Tiffany blue by Tiffany & Co. UPS’s brown is also well known, as is John Deere’s well-known green. 

With colors, it’s important to note that you can’t just trademark the color itself. What you can trademark is the use of a specific color in branding. So while Tiffany & Co can’t keep a three-year-old from using that shade on their coloring page, they can prevent other brands from using their blue in their brand packaging.

7. Packaging and Trade Dress

Can packaging be trademarked? Yes, it can. This process is also known as trade dress protection. Trade dress includes the visual appearance of a product or its packaging if it’s unique and identifiable.

A famous example is the Coca-Cola bottle shape. Since customers associate the design with the brand, it qualifies for strong trademark protection.

8. Mascots and Characters

Fictional characters can be trademarked if they represent a brand. Disney’s characters, like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, are trademark protected; in fact, in a famous case, Disney threatened to sue daycares that painted their walls with their characters. Other common trademarked characters include the Pillsbury Doughboy and Geico’s Gecko. 

Businesses that use mascots to promote products or services often trademark them to prevent unauthorized use.

9. Domain Names and Hashtags

Domain names and hashtags — in terms of business, they’re relatively new. But they still can qualify as intellectual property for businesses and brands. In turn, domain names and hashtags can be trademarked. That said, they can only be trademarked if they’re distinct and associated with your brand. 

For instance, general domain names like bestshoes.com wouldn’t qualify, and neither would a trademark like “Throwback Thursday.” 

Take, for example, the hashtag #TacoTuesday. In the past, the phrase “Taco Tuesday” used to be owned under a trademark by Taco John’s. So technically speaking, using #TacoTuesday online would have been infringing on their trademark. But Taco Bell filed a petition requesting that USPTO cancel the trademark, arguing that the phrase was actually generic. Ultimately, Taco Joe’s relinquished the trademark instead of trying to defend it, but they would have been within their rights to fight for it if they chose to. 

10. Event Names and Conference Titles

Event names and conference titles can even be trademarked if they’re unique and used for commercial purposes. For example, Ted Talks and Coachella are both trademarked; that’s why other events can’t use similar titles. 

If you decide to pursue a trademark for an event name or conference, be sure that you’ve researched to ensure that you’re not infringing on other names that might be protected. You’ll also have to ensure that your name isn’t too generic; if it is, you probably won’t be issued a trademark.

What can’t you trademark?

Some things can’t be trademarked, even if they seem unique. There are some common things you can’t trademark (even if you want to), such as generic terms or descriptive phrases. For example, words like “restaurant” or “shoes” can’t be trademarked alone; they’re too generic. A phrase like “best coffee” would also be too generic. 

Another thing to consider: some functional features can’t be trademarked. If a certain design is fundamentally necessary for a product’s functionality, it could be considered “generic” as well. This does differ from patents and copyrights, which are protected differently and fall under different criteria. If you aren’t sure about these particular distinctions, it’s best to consult with a trademark attorney.

Finally, it’s important to remember that the USPTO doesn’t approve trademarks that include misleading or offensive content, even if they’d otherwise qualify for intellectual property protections. 

Conclusion

Trademark law allows for the protection of business names, logos, slogans, product names, sounds, colors, packaging, mascots, domain names, and event titles. Securing a trademark helps protect your brand’s identity and prevents competitors from copying your assets.

If you want to build a strong brand, consider trademarking key elements of your business. Protecting your trademarks early can save you time, money, and legal headaches down the road.

As we mentioned earlier, though, getting a trademark can be time-consuming, expensive, and complicated. While it can be well worth the effort, it’s recommended that you consult with a trademark attorney for assistance and guidance with a trademark application.

Creating a unique and memorable company logo is a compelling, time-consuming task. With that said, it’s only logical that you want to protect your design from unlawful use by trademarking it. In this guide, we’re going to break down why you may want to register a trademark for your emblem and how you can do that step by step. 

What is a trademark?

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offers the following definition of a trademark: “A trademark can be any word, phrase, symbol, design, or a combination of these things that identifies your goods or services. It’s how customers recognize you in the marketplace and distinguish you from your competitors.” 

A trademark serves to legally protect your intellectual property, whether it’s a logo, a film, a novel, etc. The owner of intellectual property can determine who and how can use their product. Any infringement on your rights as a trademark owner entitles you to initiate legal action or claim monetary compensation. 

Trademark vs Copyright

Both trademark and copyright serve the same purpose, which is protecting intellectual property. The difference lies in the types of property that are being protected.    

Copyright covers creative works, such as paintings, books, songs, and the like.  

A trademark protects specific symbols, words, illustrations, or their combinations that are meant for commercial use, for example, a company name, slogan, brand identity (including a logo), and so on.

Common law trademark rights can be established simply by using a logo to brand a business, providing some level of protection without the need for formal registration. These rights are easier and cheaper to acquire than federal trademarks but are geographically restricted and can be harder to enforce.

Reasons to Trademark Your Logo

To fully understand the benefits of registering a trademark for your logo, you need to distinguish between two types of trademarks. 

• A state trademark only protects a logo within the state where it was registered. If you’re doing business within a certain region, this option will suit you perfectly. 
• A federal trademark protects your logo all over the U.S. You can choose this option if your company operates throughout the country — whether offline, online, or both. This article focuses on the federal trademark as the one providing the maximum protection through federal trademark registration.

Check out the benefits that you can get from registering a federal trademark:

1. Exclusive rights of use. By registering a trademark with USPTO, you become the official owner of your trademark and obtain the exclusive rights to use it throughout the U.S. Other individuals or companies won’t be able to use your logo without your consent.  
2. Protection from violation. You can bring legal action against any person or business that violates your trademark rights and get compensated.
3. Control of imported goods. If there are imported goods that infringe on your trademark, you’ll have legal grounds for demanding their ban.    
4. International registration. If you decide to take your business to a global level, it should be easier for you to register your federal trademark in other countries.     

What do you do if your trademark has been infringed? The best way to tackle this situation is by commissioning a professional attorney who will send the infringer a letter asking them to stop violating your trademark rights. If this doesn’t help, the lawyer will initiate legal action on your behalf.  

What a Trademark Can’t Protect 

As already mentioned, a trademark protects unique intellectual products. What’s important to understand here is that trademark law doesn’t apply to generic names and images. For example, there’s no way you can obtain exclusive rights to the phrase “aromatic coffee” or the image of a coffee machine. Those are generic words and graphics that can be used by anyone. 

Another vital detail to keep in mind is that a trademark only secures your rights in the country where it was registered. In other countries, entrepreneurs are free to use the same logo and brand name as yours. You can, however, try to get international trademark protection for your company’s logo via the Madrid System, administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This system allows trademark owners to seek protection in multiple member countries by filing a single application. 

How to Register a Trademark

Registering a federal trademark for your logo requires time, effort, and money. You can do all the work yourself or let a professional trademark attorney take care of everything for you. There are also trademark filing services that can assist you.

Understanding the importance of trademark symbols, such as ™ and ®, is crucial. These symbols indicate trademark protection, deter imitation, and help establish brand recognition. Proper placement of these symbols relative to logos and brand names in marketing materials is essential.

Make sure you own the logo rights

How do you know who the rightful owner of your logo is? It depends on how your emblem was created.

• If you designed a logo all by yourself using a graphic editor or online logo makers, there’s nothing to worry about because all logo rights belong to you.
• If you commissioned a designer to craft a logo for you, the ownership rights are transferred to you once you’ve paid for the emblem. To avoid misunderstanding, make sure to include the ownership rights clause into the contract. 

Trademark infringement occurs when someone uses your trademark without permission. To protect your logo, monitor the marketplace for unauthorized use and take legal action, such as sending cease and desist letters or pursuing lawsuits, if infringement is discovered.

Important! When applying for a trademark, make sure your submitted logo version is the final one. You won’t be able to modify your design after filing your trademark application.

Check your logo and brand name for uniqueness

Before filing for a trademark, it’s vital to make sure that other businesses are not using identical or similar names, images, or their combinations. If your logo is not unique, your application is likely to get rejected, and you’ll have to start all over again.  

Here’s how to conduct a thorough search:

• USPTO Trademark Database: Use the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) to check for identical or similar logos.
• Design Search Code Manual: If searching by image, use the USPTO Design Search Code Manual to find design codes that match key elements of your logo.
• State Trademark Databases: Some businesses register trademarks only at the state level, so check state records through your Secretary of State’s office.
• Common Law Search: Businesses may have trademark rights even without registration, known as common law trademarks, so search business directories, social media, and websites to identify unregistered but actively used marks.
• International Databases: If you plan to do business outside the U.S., check the WIPO Global Brand Database and other international trademark databases.

If you’re unsure how to interpret search results, consider consulting a trademark attorney or professional search service before proceeding.

Get professional help

You don’t necessarily have to hire an attorney to register a trademark. There’s nothing in your way that can stop you from handling the task yourself. That, however, will take up a big chunk of your time. Plus, you’ll be running a higher risk of your application getting rejected.

At the same time, a seasoned trademark attorney knows all the ins and outs of trademark registration. They’ll check your logo for uniqueness, prepare the required set of documents, and submit an application on your behalf. Having trademarks registered with professional help can ensure that applications meet necessary standards and avoid issues that could result in rejection or legal disputes.

Submit a trademark application

The easiest way to register your trademark online is through the USPTO’s Trademark Center, which replaced the previous filing system on January 18, 2025. Here’s what you need to do:

• Identify your trademark class. The USPTO categorizes all goods and services into 45 classes. You must select the class or classes that best describe your product or service.
• Provide an example of logo use. This must show the commercial use of your logo. Acceptable examples include product packaging, a business website, or store signage.
• Pay the application fee. As of 2025, the USPTO’s base application fee is $350 per class of goods or services. Additional fees may apply:
  • $100 per class for missing required information.
  • $200 per class for using free-form descriptions instead of pre-approved ones.
  • $200 per class for exceeding character limits in specific sections.

Wait for the decision and appeal if needed

Trademarking a logo typically takes 9 to 12 months to be processed. If the application has issues, such as conflicts with existing trademarks or missing information, the process may take longer.

For complex cases requiring appeals, final approval can take several years.

Upon reviewing your application, the USPTO will either approve it and register your trademark or reject it. Check out the cases when your application can be turned down.

• Your logo is not unique and can be easily confused with another trademark/other trademarks. 
• Your logo contains insulting words or graphics.
• Your logo misleads customers. For example, it mentions a geographic location that has nothing to do with your business. 

The silver lining here is that a rejected application is not the end of the world. If your application gets turned down, you’ll have six months to improve your emblem and file a notice of appeal. If the USPTO rejects your application again, you’ll be given another six months to modify your design. After that, the agency will pass the final decision on your trademark by either registering it or dismissing it for good. 

Bottom Line

A federal trademark is one of the strongest ways to protect your intellectual property and prevent others from using your logo or business name.

You can apply for a trademark yourself through the USPTO’s Trademark Center or work with a trademark attorney or trademark filing service for assistance. A federally registered trademark gives you nationwide rights to use your logo in connection with your goods or services. If a competitor copies your logo or business name, you will have legal grounds to take action in federal court.

Registering a trademark is an investment in your business’s long-term security. Without one, you may have difficulty enforcing your rights if another company starts using a similar logo. If you plan to expand your business nationwide, securing a USPTO trademark can help protect your brand.

As we enter 2025, small business owners are navigating new challenges and opportunities. To help guide us through, we spoke with Shanaz Hemmati, COO and co-founder of ZenBusiness and one of Austin Woman’s The Change Makers 2025.

Shanaz’s story — from her journey as a young immigrant to co-founding a company that has empowered over 800,000 entrepreneurs — is packed with lessons for building resilient, purpose-driven businesses. Here, she shares her key leadership insights for small business owners and offers inspiration for the year ahead.

Q: What leadership lesson has guided you most as a small business leader?

Shanaz: Staying focused on what really matters. There’s always so much noise — especially when you’re running a small business. But if you can get crystal clear on what your business does best and how it delivers value, that focus will guide everything else.

When we started ZenBusiness, we didn’t try to be everything to everyone. We focused on simplifying entrepreneurship, especially for first-time business owners. It’s a lesson I come back to daily: what’s our core strength, and how do we lean into it?

I also believe purpose is essential to staying focused. Simon Sinek’s Start With Why has had a huge influence on me— it’s a great reminder that leading with your mission and values creates stronger connections and long-term impact.

Q: 2025 is bringing a lot of uncertainty. How can small business owners prepare for the unknown?

Shanaz: Uncertainty is part of the journey, but I’ve learned that challenges often hold the biggest opportunities. The key is to approach those challenges with curiosity and a willingness to adapt.

Being open to feedback and making adjustments has been vital in my own career. At ZenBusiness, we’re constantly evolving based on what our customers need. That adaptability is what keeps us moving forward.

For anyone looking to build this mindset, I recommend Carol Dweck’s Mindset. It’s an incredible resource for developing a growth-oriented perspective — seeing obstacles as opportunities to grow. That way, uncertainty becomes something you embrace, not fear.

Q: Many companies are scaling back on DEI initiatives now. Why has ZenBusiness chosen to double down on its commitment instead?

Shanaz: For too many organizations, DEI has been treated as a performative initiative rather than a core value. When these programs are seen as optional or temporary, they’re often the first to go during challenging times. At ZenBusiness, we’ve made DEI foundational to who we are, and it has paid dividends in innovation, employee engagement, and customer loyalty.

We’ve proven at ZenBusiness that DEI isn’t a cost — it’s an investment. By embedding DEI into everything we do, from hiring practices to social impact initiatives, we’ve created a culture and business model that benefits everyone. Companies can’t afford to treat DEI as optional — it’s the foundation for long-term success.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d like every small business owner to take into 2025?

Shanaz: Think long-term and focus on building something that lasts. It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day challenges, but the businesses that thrive are the ones built on solid foundations. At ZenBusiness, we’ve made it our mission to support small business owners in creating sustainable, impactful companies.

Key Takeaways from Shanaz Hemmati’s Leadership Insights

1. Lead with purpose and build community.
2. Embrace challenges with a growth mindset. 
3. Cultivate DEI for collaborative culture and innovation.

Shanaz’s recognition as a Change Maker 2025 is a reflection of her commitment to breaking barriers for entrepreneurs and creating lasting impact. As we step into 2025, her insights remind us that resilience, clarity, and purpose are the keys to navigating challenges and building something that truly matters.

It’s Presidents’ Day, and whether you’re enjoying a day off, running to and fro to take advantage of sales, or, like many solopreneurs, treating it like just another day at the office, it’s never a bad thing to reflect on the wise words of some of our former leaders.

Presidents’ Day was originally established in recognition of George Washington’s birthday, February 22nd. Today, it’s scheduled for the third Monday in February.

Let’s face it — no president has ever had an “easy” job. What they do have, however, is a strong resolve to do what they believe is right, and that’s evident in the quotes they’ve left behind. Here, we’ll explore some of our favorite quotes.

Honoring the Legacy of George Washington

George Washington, the first President of the United States, is a towering figure in American history. His leadership and vision were instrumental in shaping the fledgling nation. On Presidents’ Day, we honor his legacy and reflect on the values he embodied.

Washington’s commitment to integrity, honesty, and fairness set a high standard for future leaders. His famous quote, “It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one,” underscores the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions. As we celebrate Presidents’ Day, we remember George Washington’s contributions to American history and strive to emulate his exemplary leadership.

Traditionally speaking, we also honor Abraham Lincoln on this day as well, whose birthday is February 12.

Leadership Lessons from U.S. Presidents

Throughout history, U.S. Presidents have provided invaluable insights on leadership. Their quotes and speeches offer guidance on how to lead effectively, make tough decisions, and inspire others. Abraham Lincoln once said, “The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew.” This quote highlights the importance of adaptability and innovative thinking in leadership.

Similarly, Barack Obama said, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” These words emphasize the need for proactive leadership and collective action. By studying the leadership lessons from U.S. Presidents, we can gain valuable insights on how to lead effectively in our personal and professional lives.

More Inspirational President Quotes

In everything from leadership to perseverance to honesty and morality, the words of our former leaders have survived long after they’ve gone and will continue to live on for generations to come. So, before you go about your day as if it were just a normal day, take a few minutes to read through these quotes and get a bit of inspiration:

1. “We can complain rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” –Abraham Lincoln
2. “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” – John Adams
3. “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” – Harry S. Truman
4. “If you treat people right, they will treat you right… ninety percent of the time.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
5. “Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower
6. “Things do not happen. Things are made to happen.” – John F. Kennedy
7. “Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly.” – Ronald Reagan
8. “I walk slowly, but I never walk backwards.” – Abraham Lincoln
9. “Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
10. “It is far better to be alone than to be in bad company.” – George Washington
11. “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” – Thomas Jefferson
12. “The glow of one warm thought is to me worth more than money.” – Thomas Jefferson
13. “No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.” – Calvin Coolidge
14. “We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.” – Jimmy Carter
15. ”In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand still like the rock.” –Thomas Jefferson
16. “Tell the truth, work hard, and come to dinner on time.” – Gerald Ford
17. “The bud of victory is always in the truth.” – Benjamin Harrison
18. “Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity.” – Herbert Hoover
19. “In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten, then he who continues the attack wins.” – Ulysses S. Grant
20. “It is of no use to discover our own faults and infirmities unless the discovery prompts up to amendment.” – John Quincy Adams
21. “Accomplishment will prove to be a journey, not a destination.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower
22. “Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.” – John F. Kennedy
23. “Plans are nothing; planning is everything.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower
24. ”It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed. In this life we get nothing save by effort.” – Theodore Roosevelt
25. “Times change, and we change with them.” – William Henry Harrison
26. “I would rather belong to a poor nation that was free than to a rich nation that had ceased to be in love with liberty.” – Woodrow Wilson
27. “My observation is that whenever one person is found adequate to the discharge of a duty… it is worse executed by two persons, and scarcely done at all if three or more are employed therein.” –George Washington
28. “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” – Barack Obama

Becoming a small business owner could lower your family’s taxes, even if your new business is not yet profitable.

Because a business can claim tax deductions for its share of housing, utilities, transportation, travel, and computer equipment, starting a small business can legally save you thousands of dollars in taxes on your (and your spouse’s) full-time job income. To learn more, check out our list of tax-deductible startup costs.

The government wants to stimulate the U.S. economy, so they generously give tax deductions for business startup costs and operating expenses.

Keep reading to learn about the IRS regulations regarding home businesses, side hustle gigs, part-time businesses that are allowed tax write-offs, and cautions on how to prove that your business is not merely a hobby (for which deductions are not allowed).

Understanding Tax Deductions

Tax deductions are expenses that can be subtracted from a business’s taxable income to reduce its tax liability. These deductions can be categorized into business expenses, home office expenses, and personal deductions. Understanding tax deductions is crucial for small business owners to minimize their tax bill and maximize their tax savings. By claiming the right combination of deductions, small businesses can lower their taxable income.

Benefits of Business Tax Deductions

Business tax deductions offer numerous benefits to small business owners. By claiming deductions, businesses can reduce their taxable income, lower their tax liability, and increase their cash flow. This can help businesses to invest in growth, hire new employees, and expand their operations. By taking advantage of tax deductions, small businesses can save thousands of dollars in taxes, which can be reinvested in the business.

Expenses That Qualify as Tax Deductions for Starting a Business

There are two types of expenses that you can deduct from your taxes — start up costs and ongoing operating expenses.

Startup Costs

The IRS allows three types of startup costs eligible for deductible business expenses. You can only write them off on your taxes if you actually open the business.

1. Creation – Costs for research, competitor analysis, surveying markets, and visiting possible business locations. These costs can be associated with creating a new company or investigating an existing business for investment consideration.
2. Preparation – Costs for opening your company, such as buying equipment, employee training, travel to suppliers, advertising and marketing expenses, business cards, and legal fees.
3. Organizational – Expenses for incorporating your company, registering trademarks, salaries for company directors, and accounting fees.

The IRS allows you to deduct up to $5,000 in business startup costs and $5,000 in organizational costs totaling $10,000 BUT only if your total startup costs are $50,000 or less.

If your startup costs are over $50,000, you’re not allowed these deductions. These monies can be applied to reduce your taxes in the year before you open your business in the following year.

Note that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is set to expire at the end of 2025. If it’s not renewed, startup deductions could be affected.

Need help calculating your startup costs? Learn how to estimate your startup costs by industry.

Business Operational Expenses

Once your business is open for customers, your list of tax deductions expands dramatically to include these expenses:

• Car Transportation – You can deduct a portion of your car expenses (including gas and oil) when you use your vehicle for business purposes such as traveling to customers, suppliers, trade shows, and delivering merchandise.
• Housing – If you have space in your home that is dedicated regularly and exclusively to your business, you can deduct the business’s proportional costs of that space (including mortgage, insurance, and property taxes) from your taxes.
• Utilities – Dedicated phone lines for businesses are legal deductions, as are a portion of the costs to heat and cool your home business.
• Travel and Entertainment – If you travel to trade shows, customer presentations, and suppliers, your travel expenses can also be used as tax write-offs.
• Eating Out – If you hold business meetings over dinner, coffee, or even smoothies, you can deduct 50% of the cost of restaurant meals.
• Computer Equipment and Furnishings – Section 179 of the tax code allows up to 100% of computer equipment to be expensed annually, up to six figures. This is good news since it means that your new computer can be deducted in the same tax year.
• Computer Software – Programs you purchase to facilitate your business operations, whether they’re a single download or a subscription service, can be deducted from your taxes.
• Office Supplies – Supplies you use regularly, like shipping boxes and packing peanuts or printer paper and toner, can qualify as deductible expenses, provided they’re used solely for your business.
• Health Insurance Premiums – Premiums for health insurance can be deducted, providing significant tax savings for business owners.
• Education – Any education that will help in your business can be expensed, from training on how to use Photoshop to classes on bookkeeping.
• Legal and Accounting Fees – The fees you pay your attorney or accountant, whether they’re a one-off service or a regular part of your business operations, are deductible business expenses.

Maximizing Tax Deductions

To maximize tax deductions, small business owners should keep accurate records of their business income and expenses throughout the year. This includes receipts, invoices, and bank statements. By keeping accurate records, businesses can help ensure that they are claiming all eligible deductions and minimizing their tax liability.

Additionally, businesses should consult with a tax professional to help check that they’re taking advantage of all available deductions. A tax professional can help businesses identify eligible deductions, prepare tax returns, and navigate the nuances of the tax code.

Best Businesses to Start Today

1. Consulting – This can be home-based, where you travel to your customers or consult via telephone and Internet. Usually, you can deduct costs for home office space, telephone lines, internet access fees, and computer equipment. Consulting businesses can also take advantage of various small business tax deductions to reduce their taxable income. For more information, check out “Reasons to Start a Consulting Business.”
2. Internet Services – This category can include website designers, coders, programmers, e-commerce store owners, online advertising agencies, and website copywriters. Read about our best online business ideas.
3. Artisan for Handmade Crafts – Create crafts and art to sell in galleries, craft fairs, and online. Deduct expenses for materials and supplies, travel to fairs, and education. Get ideas for your craft business name.
4. Services – Offer services for tutoring, organizing, event planning, carpentry, and hairstyling. Deduct all your equipment and material costs, plus your cell phone, tools, and trucks.

Can starting a small business help with taxes?

Yes, the IRS allows you to deduct up to $10,000 ($5,000 in startup costs and $5,000 in organization costs such as incorporation) from your personal taxes a year prior to opening your company, providing a significant tax deduction. Then in the same tax year that you open your doors, you can also deduct additional ongoing expenses like home office expenses (mortgage and utilities), transportation, travel, supplies, advertising costs, and equipment.

It’s important that your business is actually attempting to produce a profit; otherwise, it will be considered a hobby, which doesn’t qualify for deductions. Worse, your “hobby” could be looked at as an attempt to pull one over on the feds. This is crucial because hobby expenses are not tax deductible, and starting a business only for the tax benefits will come with penalties if investigated.

If the IRS comes knocking, they’ll look for evidence that you’re making an honest effort, regardless of your success or skill, to produce a profit. Though there’s no fast and hard list of things they will want to see, a website, accounting records, business-related receipts, a separate bank account, and activities like sales calls or marketing activities will all help to show that you’re endeavoring to create a profitable business.

One other way the IRS looks to see if your business is a bona fide business is the rule of three out of five. This is a way the IRS uses to determine profit motive (even if you don’t make a profit right away). The rule is that if your business made a profit for any three of the past five consecutive years, your company is not just a hobby.

Remember that tax laws are subject to change. Regularly reviewing the IRS official website or consulting with a tax professional cane help you stay compliant with the most recent regulations.

Considering starting your business in Delaware to save taxes? Read about the benefits and risks of starting a business in Delaware.

Related Posts

• 6 Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Small Business
• Starting a Business in Retirement: Retiree Business Ideas
• How to Get Money to Start a New Business from Your 401K Retirement

Thinking of starting an agricultural business? Looking for farming ideas to make money? We’ve got what you need right here: some of the most profitable agricultural business start-up ideas for entrepreneurs.

The agricultural industry provides essential services and opportunities for improvement in farming practices. There’s a wealth of good business ideas out there, many with low investment startup costs such as worm farming, growing mushrooms commercially, and more. There are even beginner-friendly ideas for agriculturally minded entrepreneurs, like selling at farmers’ markets and lawn care maintenance.

Want to get your best and most profitable small farming business idea to start growing your own lucrative business? Keep reading.

Hello, fellow entrepreneur. You’re wondering how long it should take from your initial startup idea to the business launch.

This is vital information to know to properly plan and schedule your launch preparation. You need to know how long each task will take so you can decide in which order to perform each task.

Fast Fact:

Typically, it takes a startup business six months to one year from initial idea to product launch and its first paying customers. Service businesses can be launched in three months, online businesses in 30 days, and retail stores, restaurants, and clothing lines commonly take one year from conception to launch.

Keep reading to learn more about how long each type of business takes from concept to revenue.