I have decided on a business name - can I go ahead and have some business cards printed up and some marketing done before my licensing is final? I need to have the cards for a bridal show coming up in about a month - is there someone with the state I need to check with first?? Or can I just have my name?
I searched google and facbook and the such, and there is someone with the name in Hawaii - but I am in Wisconsin - does this matter??
I know I've seen duplicate names out there before - could someone with knowledge on naming your business please let me know.
Thanks so much!

you need to "claim" your name generally with your Secretary of State. That reserves the name in your state. As far as the other name being in Hawaii, it is possible that they have ti reserved throughout the country. You'll have to check. Is there a tm next to there name, or sm?

PS I own names and websites that I don't use, just so my competitors can't have them.

Here in Alberta,Canada you have to go to the registrars office and do a search to see if the name is available..If not you can pay and register it..if not you have to choose something else.

You usually have to check with both the state and the county, as well as running a trademark search.

After quite a few phone calls, I got to the correct people for my state and just have to mail in a form and pay $15 to "reserve" my name until my licensing is done!
So happy - my name was available!!