A DTI certificate is a record that shows a company has registered with the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). All companies functioning in the nation, whether they are sole proprietorships, partnerships, or corporations, must comply with it. The DTI certificate acts as a tool for businesses to comply with legal and regulatory obligations as well as a way to confirm that the company is legitimate and registered with the government.
Whether DBA names are protected is one of the queries that frequently arises when considering the DTI certificate. A DBA name is a moniker that a company employs to conduct business and which differs from their legal name. DBA names are not protected in the Philippines, therefore another company may use the same name. However, if the DBA name is registered as a trademark, it becomes protected and cannot be used by other companies. An further query is if an LLC is permitted to use more than one DBA. An LLC is not a legal company structure in the Philippines. It is conceivable for a corporation to have more than one DBA name, but, assuming you are referring to a corporation. However, the corporation must adhere to all legal and regulatory requirements for each DBA name, and each DBA name must be registered with the DTI.
What if there are two companies with the same name? This is a common worry for business owners, and it might become an issue if both companies are active in the same market. The first company to register a name with the DTI will be able to utilize it if two companies have the same name. The second company must select a different name or face legal repercussions. Last but not least, a frequent query is whether a person may trademark a name without a company. Yes, it is possible to trademark a name without having a company. However, the name must be utilized commercially, i.e., for the sale of products or services. You cannot register a trademark for a name if you are not utilizing it commercially.
In conclusion, the DTI certificate’s goal is to confirm that companies are legitimately operating and abiding by all applicable laws and regulations. DBA names can be trademarked but are not legally protected. Although corporations are permitted to use several DBA names, each must be registered with the DTI. When two companies share a name, the first to register it will be able to utilize it. Finally, even though a business is not required, it is still feasible to trademark a name if it is used in trade.
A key first step in creating your brand identity is giving your small business a name. It’s crucial to take into account elements like the name’s originality, importance, and memorability while selecting one. To be sure that another company is not already using the name, you might wish to do some research. Once you’ve decided on a name, you may register it with the relevant government body and get any required licenses or permits.