September 28, 2025

As life's bills keep rising, many hardworking people are picking up side hustles—be it baking yummy cupcakes or creating online channels. The gig economy is buzzing with fresh ideas! But are these new entrepreneurs remembering the all-important legal shield for their brand? Well, intellectual property expert Darlene Harris says many forget this crucial step. Harris, managing attorney at Power In Protection, Charlotte, North Carolina, explains why trademarks aren’t just pretty logos. She compares a trademark to owning the deed to your house. "If someone else says, ‘This is my house. I live here,’ all you have to do is pull out the deed," she says. Without a trademark, "you have to go through a whole squatter’s rights fight." Even if your side hustle brings in just a few hundred bucks monthly, you’re not safe. Competitors can sue you for using a similar brand. Harris doesn't hold back: "I don’t care if you’ve made $500. I want my percentage of that $500." Many side hustlers make the mistake of thinking their business is “too small” to bother with legal steps. This mindset can backfire badly. A small Etsy shop today could become a big company tomorrow. Without proper protection, someone else might snatch your brand hard work. Harris advises all side hustlers to "think big". Ask yourself, "Where do you want to take this?" and plan protections not just for now but for the exciting future. That’s why quick, cheap online forms may not cut it. Instead, work with a lawyer to build a smart long-term property plan. What else should you consider? Copyrights for your unique photos or writings, and forming a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) to protect your personal assets from business risks. In simple words, don’t just "do business"—own your hustle's identity from the very first day. Harris sums it up perfectly: “They think, ‘Oh, it’s just a side hustle.’ But if they've been using this name, building this image, this brand—it’s so important that they own it.” If your passion could turn into something big someday, protect it right now. Because one day, your little hustle might just be your dream empire!

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Tags: Side hustle, Trademark, Intellectual property, Small business, Brand protection, Legal advice,