Understanding Colorado Trade Name: What it is and How to File it

What is a Colorado trade name?
A Colorado DBA (doing business as) is called a trade name. Colorado trade name registration allows a business to operate under a name that’s different from its legal name. DBA registration won’t protect your personal assets like forming an LLC or corporation will.
Read more on howtostartanllc.com

The term “Colorado trade name” refers to the name under which a company conducts business, offers its goods and services, and is known to the general public. It must be registered with the Colorado Secretary of State’s office because it is a legal term. A trade name is often referred to as a DBA name or “doing business as” name.

You must select a trade name for your business if you are launching it in Colorado. This name must be distinct and unregistered with another company in the state. On the website of the Colorado Secretary of State, you can determine whether your preferred trade name is available.

A trade name is crucial since it sets your company’s identity and aids in the development of your brand. Customers will identify your brand with the goods or services you offer. Additionally, by preventing rivals from using a similar name, it might aid in safeguarding your company from infringement.

A legal business name, which is the name used to register a business with the state, is distinct from a trade name. The name used on official papers, licenses, and permits must be registered as a legal business name with the Secretary of State’s office in Colorado. On the other hand, a trade name is the name you use to sell your company.

In Colorado, you must submit an application to the Secretary of State’s office in order to register a trade name. A trade name can be registered for $20, and it is good for five years. Following that, your trade name registration will need to be renewed.

In Colorado, a trade name is a crucial component of any company. Your clients will recognize and remember it as the name. The Colorado Secretary of State’s website allows for the quick and easy registration of trade names. To keep your legal rights to the name, it’s critical to select a distinct name that is not already being used by another company and to renew your registration every five years.

FAQ
What is the difference between a trade name and an LLC?

While an LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a legally recognized corporate structure that offers liability protection to its owners and enables them to pass through business profits to their personal tax returns, a trade name is merely the name under which a business works and presents itself to the public. In other words, an LLC is a distinct legal entity, whereas a trade name is a marketing tool.

Keeping this in consideration, does colorado require dba?

Yes, if a business operates under a name other than its legal name, Colorado requires that it file a DBA or trade name.