When you register a company name, it is protected by law so no other business can use it. Trading names do not receive this protection. If someone wanted to register your trading name as a limited company, they could do so, whilst also demanding that you stop using it.
If you buy a business name but you don’t create or start running the business right away, your company is dormant. A dormant company is one that has had no significant accounting transactions since its incorporation, or since the last set of accounts were filed. Companies House considers a company to be dormant if it has had no "significant accounting transactions" during the accounting period.
Both DBAs and LLCs register your unique business name in your state so no one else can take that name. But only LLCs provide legal protection of your personal assets. In most cases, if you incorporated your business as an LLC, you don’t also need a DBA.
You can’t legally use any business name until you have registered it as an officially recognized business entity, both with your local state authorities and with the Internal Revenue Service.
The first step in the registration process is to do a search of your business name and make sure that it isn’t already registered by somebody else in your state. Next, begin the registration process.
You need to register a business name if you conduct business under a name other than your own. At the Australian Government’s Business Registration website, you can register a business name using one online form.
The best way to find out if your business name is taken is to do a business entity search within your state, check Federal Trademark Records, and search the web to find businesses with the same or a similar name.
Finding a business name is an important first step toward starting your own business. Now it’s time to take the next step, to be sure you can use your business name and protect it, by registering your new name. Your business name will be on everything.
It is simple to search for available business names online using ASIC’s search tool.
You can always trade using your own name or your company name and it is not necessary to separately register a business name.
File for a trademark on your business name. A trademark is the only way to prevent others from using the name and gives you legal recourse should someone attempt to use it.
Registration Process and Protection
How do I register a business name so no one else can use it?
While registering your business name will help to protect it from being used by others, it doesn’t offer absolute protection. It’s still important to stay vigilant and take action if you see someone else using your business name.
When you register a company name at Companies House, it is protected by law so no other business can use it. Trading names do not receive this protection, which means that if someone wanted to register your trading name as a limited company, they could do so, whilst also demanding that you stop using it.
You can’t legally use any business name until you have registered it as an officially recognized business entity, both with your local state authorities and with the Internal Revenue Service.
Once you decide on a name, there are several steps to make it official. The first is to confirm that you can use it and meet all legal requirements. Next, you’ll register the name so no one else can use it.
A trademark will prevent others from using your registered business name, or names and logos that are similar to your registered trademarks.
Many entrepreneurs need help creating a name that aligns with their enterprises. First, it’s essential to appreciate that choosing a name for your business can be smooth and timely.
Registering a Business Name
If you find that the name under which your business was founded cannot be used in a state where it is eligible, you will usually have to adopt an acceptable fictitious name (also known as an alternative name) and do business.
Follow AD PRO’s selection of key steps for how to properly register a business name. Whether you’re unveiling an interior design firm or opening the doors to a retail store, learning how to register your business name is one of the first steps you’ll need to take.
Consider domain name: Check if the domain name is available and register it to avoid future conflicts.
Why Is Registering Your Business Name Important? Registering your business name has several benefits: it establishes your brand, prevents others from using your name, allows you to open business bank accounts and better market your business.
The specific meaning of business name registration is to submit your business name to your province or state to get it on their registry of legal business names.
Methods of Registration
Determining the best way to register a business name will take into consideration several factors, such as the business structure and the geographical area in which the company will operate. The three main ways a business may register a name are:
- Form a business entity, such as a corporation or limited liability company (LLC).
- Register the business name as an assumed name or DBA ("doing business as").
- Register the business name as a federal trademark.