Fictitious Registration: What it is and Why it Matters

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What is fictitious registration?
A sole proprietor who wishes to practice under a fictitious name must register with, and be approved by, the California Board of Accountancy (CBA) before practicing and holding out to the public. A fictitious name will not be issued to an accountancy corporation or accountancy partnership.
Read more on www.dca.ca.gov

The process of establishing a business name apart from the legal name of the owner or the corporation is known as fictitious registration, commonly referred to as a DBA (Doing Business As). Many states have laws requiring businesses to register their DBA name before using it to conduct business. False registration enables customers to verify the legitimacy of their business partners and guards against fraud. How can I tell if the name I want for my company is already taken?

Make sure the name is not already being used by another company before registering a fictional name. A simple online search or a search of the state’s business registry can be used to accomplish this. It’s also critical to confirm that the name hasn’t previously been registered as a trademark or as a copyright by another entity. Is it possible for me to rename my company?

It is possible for firms to operate under a name other than the owner’s or entity’s legal name. The company must, however, register the fictitious name with the state in order to achieve this. This makes it possible for customers to quickly recognize the businesses they are transacting with and deters fraud. Can I trademark a name without having a business, then? It is possible to trademark a name without having a company, yes. But for that to happen, the name has to be utilized in trade and connected to products or services. By registering a name as a trademark, you can give it legal protection and stop others from using it in ways that can confuse customers.

An LLC may have a DBA.

Yes, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) may conduct business as a DBA. The LLC must, though, file the fictitious name with the state and use its legal name in all correspondence and contracts. It is significant to remember that using a DBA name does not give the LLC’s owners any legal protection.

In conclusion, fictitious registration is a crucial legal necessity for firms using a name other than the owner’s or entity’s legal name. Businesses can help consumers quickly identify who they are doing business with and combat fraud by registering a DBA name. Additionally, it’s crucial for businesses to confirm that the name they’ve picked is not already in use by another company or protected by a trademark.