Any firm needs a trade name since they act as a brand identifier that sets one company apart from another. Although trade names do not provide the same level of legal protection for the company as trademarks do, they are nonetheless very significant for marketing and brand recognition. You can have concerns regarding your trade name’s expiration, registration, and cost if you’re beginning a business or considering changing it. Some of the most frequently asked questions about trade names and business registration will be addressed in this article.
A trade name is a moniker that a company employs for promotion and marketing, commonly referred to as a DBA (doing business as). It differs from a legal business name, which is the name of the company that is listed on contracts and licenses for businesses. The formal business name and the trade name are used to identify the company to the general public. For instance, Jane Smith, a sole proprietor, could use the trade name “Jane’s Designs” to draw clients. Trade names
? Trade names must be renewed on a regular basis even though they never expire. States have different standards for renewal, but in general, renewal is needed every five years. If you don’t renew your trade name, you risk losing the right to use it and opening it up to use by other companies. Keep your trade name active to protect your company’s reputation and stop others from exploiting it. Is There Any Trading Name I Can Use? Any trade name that is not currently in use by another company in your state may be used by you. You should perform a trade name check to make sure the name is available before deciding on a trade name. If the name is already being used by another company or if it is too close to another name currently in use, the trade name search will show this. If the name isn’t available, you’ll have to pick another. How Much Does it Cost in Arizona to Register a Trade Name?
In Arizona, registering a trade name costs $10. This payment must be made at the time of registration to the Arizona Corporation Commission. Online registration is available and the process is simple. Your legal business name, the trade name you wish to register, and your contact information are required. How Much Does an LLC Cost in Arizona?
In Arizona, creating an LLC costs $50. At the time of filing, this fee must be paid to the Arizona Corporation Commission. Depending on the LLC’s earnings, there is also an annual report charge that ranges from $0 to $60. The procedure for forming the company is very simple and may be done online. The name of your LLC, its registered agent, the names of its members, and their contact details must all be provided.
To sum up, trade names are a crucial component of any company’s marketing plan. They do not provide the firm with any legal protection, but they do function as a brand identity that sets one business apart from another. Trade names are perpetual, but they need to be renewed on a regular basis to keep them in use. You should perform a trade name check to make sure the name is available before deciding on a trade name. In Arizona, registering a trade name costs $10, while creating an LLC costs $50.
In Arizona, the fee to file a DBA (Doing Business As) varies by county. For instance, the price in Maricopa County is $50 for the initial filing and $25 for each renewal after that. It is best to check with your local county clerk’s office for precise pricing information because the price may vary in other counties.