Registering Your Business

Before registering your business name, it’s crucial to determine the legal structure that suits your enterprise. The three most common structures are sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation, each with its own advantages, disadvantages, and legal obligations. After choosing a structure, you can explore different types of business names, including the legal name, trade name or DBA, and trademarked name. The registration process involves checking name availability, registering with the appropriate government agency, obtaining necessary permits and licenses, and renewing your registration when required. Selecting and registering your business name is essential for establishing your brand identity and complying with legal requirements. The right structure provides the legal foundation for your business name to thrive.

Understanding Business Name Types

Business names come in various forms, each serving a distinct purpose.

Here are some common types:

Legal Name: This is your full, formal business name, and it must align with the legal structure you choose. For a sole proprietorship, this typically means using your own name. For other structures, you’ll need to follow specific naming rules.

Trade Name or Doing Business As (DBA): A trade name, also known as a “doing business as” (DBA) name, is a fictitious name under which you operate your business. This allows you to use a name other than your legal name. Registering a DBA name is often a requirement if you choose a name different from your legal name.

Trademarked Name: If you want to protect your business name and brand, you can register it as a trademark. This offers legal protection against others using a similar name for similar goods or services.