Your company’s formal name, as registered with the state government, is known as its legal name. All legal papers, including contracts, licenses, permits, tax returns, and bank accounts, must have this name. The owner’s name or the name of the entity registered with the state, such as a corporation, limited liability company (LLC), or partnership, might serve as the legal name. Commercial Name
A trade name, commonly referred to as a “doing business as” (DBA) name, is the name that a company uses to conduct business and to identify itself to the general public. It is a name that is used for branding and marketing purposes; it is not the official name of the company. If John Smith has a plumbing company called “John Smith Plumbing LLC,” for instance, he can opt to use the trade name “Smith Plumbing” to help consumers remember and locate his company. DBAs and Washington State
Let’s now address some related queries. If you use your legal name as the name of your business in Washington State, a DBA is not necessary. However, you must file a trade name registration form with the Washington Secretary of State’s office if you intend to use one. Every five years, registration must be renewed for a $5 cost. Changing Your Business Name in the State of Washington The Washington Secretary of State’s office must receive a Certificate of Amendment if you want to modify your company name. This paperwork must be filed for a charge of $30. You must also change the name on all of your legal documents, including tax returns, business licenses, and permits. Registration of Trading Names
In general, it is not necessary to register a trading name with the government. However, you might want to register it as a trademark if you want to prevent other people from using your trade name. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is the place to do this. Your business name is legally protected by trademark registration, which also enables you to stop unauthorized use of it. Trading a name is acceptable. You must first confirm that the name is available for use before engaging in a name trade. A search of already registered trademarks and trade names can be done to achieve this. You can start utilizing the name as your trade name once you’ve made sure it’s available. You need a written contract outlining the conditions of the transaction if you want to sell or transfer the trade name to someone else.
In conclusion, it’s critical to know the distinction between a commercial name and a legal name while beginning and running a firm. A trade name is the name you use for branding and marketing whereas a legal name is the name that is used to conduct business. A trade name must be registered with the government if it is being used, and the registration must be renewed every five years. Additionally, there are particular measures you must follow if you want to modify your business name or protect your trade name.
You would have to register a trade name in your name with the relevant governmental body in your jurisdiction. Depending on the location, the procedure might be different, but in general, you’d have to submit an application for registration and pay a charge. You could utilize the trade name in your company’s operations and marketing materials once it has been approved. It’s crucial to remember that registering a trade name does not automatically grant legal protection or ownership of the name itself; in some cases, further actions, like trademark registration, may be necessary.