Does a Trading Name Need to Be Registered?

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Definition of Company Name, Trade Name, and DBA

  • A company name is the actual name of the business.
  • A trade name or DBA is a way of doing business under a name filed in a state or county.
  • A DBA acts as an alias used by entities for versatility.

Benefits and Registration of Trade Names

  • A trade name offers advantages to a small business owner.
  • It can aid in sales and marketing to attract more customers.
  • To register a trade name, businesses must file paperwork with their local government.

Understanding Trade Name and DBA

  • A trade name is what a business uses to identify itself.
  • Other terms are "fictitious name" and "DBA."
  • A trade name is usually registered with the county where the business is located.
  • For example, if a grocery store chain is called “Super S Stores,” the stores run under a fictitious name.

DBA vs. Trade Name

  • DBA stands for “Doing Business As.”
  • A DBA is the same as a trade name or fictitious name, an alias not an actual business entity.
  • It refers to a company’s trade name used for marketing, sales, and business.

Legal Implications

  • A trade name, fictitious name, or DBA is an alternate name under which a business operates.
  • A DBA serves as a pseudonym providing versatility.
  • A company name is the actual legal name of a business.

Benefits and Registration of DBA

  • A DBA can help build brand recognition and customer trust.
  • Businesses typically use a DBA for marketing purposes.
  • To register a DBA, paperwork must be filed with the local government.

Conclusion

  • A company can simultaneously have a legal name and trade name.
  • A trade name benefits small businesses, aiding in sales and marketing to attract more customers.
  • A business should register any trade names it uses.

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