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[JlmC]

Hello Tig Community,

First of all, I know theres a topic about bussines, but i couldnt find an answer.

See, ill register a bussiness name to promote my game and get oficial license developer for a big company (Nintendo, Microsoft or Sony). Our team is making a game and we want to register our name.

1- Can i register my name with my Home Address?

2- Will this affect my Home Ensurance?

3- Its for US (New jersey State)

Thank you.

[Snakey]

See, ill register a bussiness name to promote my game and get oficial license developer for a big company (Nintendo, Microsoft or Sony)

Certainly once your company gains a reputation for developing good games will a company name help its sales; but before then it is just another name. Just remember that those three companies can pick and choose who they will give their Software Development Kits to, and even then it is likely to cost you a certain amount of money. They don't just give it to anybody, even if they have registered a company name. Companies should be formed to protect the owners from certain liabilities. For example, if you plan to outsource some work then you probably want to sign using your company name and not your personal name. Also, spelling and grammar is going to be important. Who ever is going to read your emails is going to think your some 12 year old kid.

Can i register my name with my Home Address?

Depends on your state, but I don't believe company registration depends on a commercial zoned property. After all, you have people who work from home as their normal day job.

Will this affect my Home Ensurance?

It can affect insurances. For example, if you were to seek for any insurance or liability against lost of data or theft, you may need to install house alarms and fire extinguishers. It depends on your insurance policies which you will need to discuss with your insurance agent. Then there's the aspect of figuring out what belongs to you personally and what belongs to your new company.

[weasello]

As a quick tip, I don't think you can establish formal relations with the "Big Companies" with a home address. Eg, you can't get a dev kit delivered to a house (last I heard).

[mona.adele]

1. Typically yes, but check with your city/town as far as guidelines and ordinances for home businesses. They vary. Also keep in mind that the information may become public record, so you may want to consider getting a PO Box for your home business to protect your privacy.

2. Yes. Most home business owners are underinsured for this very reason-- typical homeowner insurance policies won't cover much as far as damages and will cover nothing as far as business-related liability, and operating a business out of your home may in some cases void your current homeowner insurance policy (you're using your home in a manner outside the scope of what's stated in your policy). Check your policy and check with your insurer about adding at the very least better contents and general liability coverage.

[JlmC]

Thank you.

I have a regular home insurance, but what i mean is: If i registered the name bussines to my house, the home insurance will increase or not?

Thank.

[mona.adele]

If your business address is the same as your home address, you are a home business owner. So:

What does your policy/agent say? Neither I nor anyone else here have looked at your policy, so how do you expect us to know what you're covered for and what you're paying for?

As I said before, some companies may void your policy if you use your home as something other than a residence; e.g., a home business. That may not always be the case and you would need to look at your current policy to find out. 

A RESPONSIBLE home business owner should get home business coverage in addition to their current plan. That being said I'm sure there are plenty of home business owners who aren't that responsible and don't get that coverage. Not only does this expose you to increased liability and make it harder for you to run your business effectively, but it could put your current coverage at risk.

[Snakey]

As a quick tip, I don't think you can establish formal relations with the "Big Companies" with a home address. Eg, you can't get a dev kit delivered to a house (last I heard).

This is quite correct. Most companies will demand a secure location before they send you a SDK.

[JlmC]

Thank you for the answers.

See you.