One of the first steps you must do if you want to launch a business in Colorado is to register a trade name. A trade name is distinct from your official business name; it is the name under which you conduct business. This page will define trade names, describe the filing process in Colorado, and address some relevant queries.
The name you use to brand your company to the public is known as a trade name. It is the name that appears on all of your marketing materials, including your website, business cards, and shop. Your legal business name, which is the name you registered with the state when you founded your business entity, may differ from your trade name. Your trade name might be “Smith’s Coffee Shop,” yet your formal business name might be “John Smith LLC.”
A DBA (Doing Business As) name and a trade name are comparable. A trade name in Colorado is known as a “trade name certificate,” but a DBA is known as a “fictitious name.” Both of them enable you to conduct business under a name other than your official business name. The filing requirements, however, could differ and the words are not interchangeable.
The actions below must be taken in order to register a trade name in Colorado:
1. Pick a trade name: You must select a distinctive trade name that is not being used by another company in Colorado. On the website of the Colorado Secretary of State, you can look up trade names that are already in use.
2. Complete the application: You have the option of submitting your trade name application by mail or online. Your legal business name, the trade name you intend to use, and your contact information must be entered into the application.
3. Pay the filing fee: The Colorado trade name application charge is $20. The cost can be paid online or by mail. 4. Await approval: The Colorado Secretary of State’s office will review your application when you submit it along with the required fee. You will be given a trade name certificate if your trade name is accepted.
Trade names and LLCs (Limited Liability Companies) are not the same thing. An LLC is a type of corporate entity that shields its owners from being held personally liable for the debts and obligations of the company. Simply put, a trade name is the name you give to your company. Without creating an LLC, you can still run your business under a trade name, but doing so offers more legal security.
You must do the following actions in order to incorporate in Colorado:
2. Pick a name: You must select a distinctive name for your company that is not already being used by another company in Colorado.
3. Submit the Articles of Incorporation: You must submit the Articles of Incorporation to the Secretary of State’s office in Colorado, where you must provide details such your company’s name, address, and owners’ names.
In conclusion, registering a trade name in Colorado is a straightforward procedure that involves picking a distinctive name, completing an application, paying a fee, and then waiting for approval. A trade name can be used to distinguish your company from others and is distinct from a legal business name. Although creating an LLC gives the owners more legal protection, it is not the same as registering a trade name. Make sure to follow the laws and secure the required licenses and permits if you intend to launch a business in Colorado.
Trade names do really expire in Colorado. Trade names in Colorado must be renewed every five years. The trade name will expire and become available for use if the renewal application is not submitted. To keep the trade name protected and exclusive, it’s crucial to keep track of its expiration date and renew it.
Yes, you must file a DBA (Doing Business As) or trade name registration with the Colorado Secretary of State’s office if you wish to run a business in Colorado under a name other than your own legal name.