A DBA, or “doing business as,” is a legal instrument that permits a business to conduct operations under a name other than its legal name. Businesses that want to utilize a name that is more memorable or descriptive than their official name frequently need to do this. A DBA can be created in a few simple steps, but it’s crucial to make sure the name you choose is available for use and that you adhere to all legal guidelines for registering your DBA.
You must first decide on a name for your DBA. This name ought to be original and not being used by another company in your neighborhood. To find out if the name you desire is available, contact the business registration office in your state. Once you’ve decided on a name, you must register it with the relevant government body. Depending on where you live, this can be the county clerk’s office or the state’s office for business registration.
You must submit some basic information about your company when registering your DBA, including your legal name, address, and contact details. It can also be necessary for you to disclose information about the nature of your company and the goods or services it provides. There may be other requirements for establishing your DBA, such as paying a fee or posting a notice in a local newspaper, depending on the state or county where you are located.
Although they are not the same thing, a trade name and a DBA are related. The name a company chooses to identify itself to clients and the general public is known as a trade name. A DBA is a legal document that permits a business to conduct operations under a name other than its legal name. As a result, a company that uses a trade name that is distinct from its legal name must register it as a DBA.
You must register your business name as a DBA if you wish to add “Co” to it. This is due to the fact that “Co” is an acronym for “company,” and it is regarded as a component of your company name. Therefore, if your trade name is “John Smith Plumbing Co” and your legal business name is “John Smith Plumbing LLC,” you would need to register it as a DBA.
If a company is using a trading name that is confusingly similar to your own and they are in the same industry, you may be able to sue them for it. The precise laws and rules governing this matter, however, differ by state and country, thus it is crucial to speak with a lawyer who is acquainted with your local laws. In general, you may be able to launch a lawsuit to defend your rights if you think another company is abusing your trade name or trademark.