What your trade name should be depends on whether you’re beginning a new company or wanting to rebrand your current one. A trade name, commonly referred to as a “doing business as” or DBA name, is the name under which a company conducts business. It’s critical to pick a trade name that represents your company’s brand and core principles while also being memorable and simple to pronounce.
A trade name differs from a legitimate business name. The name that a business is registered under with the state or government is known as its legal business name. Contrarily, a trade name is the name that the general public is familiar with and can differ from the legal name. For instance, the business known by its trade name McDonald’s is McDonald’s Corporation, according to its formal registration.
A brand name is a special kind of trade name that’s employed to designate a company’s goods or services. For instance, Nike is a well-known brand for athletic clothing and footwear. All trade names are therefore brand names, but not all brand names are trade names. Additionally, may your trading name and business name be different?
Your trade name and your legal business name can indeed be distinct. This is typical for companies that use many brands or offer various goods and services. For instance, the business known by numerous different trade names, such as Tide, Pampers, and Crest, is officially known as Procter & Gamble.
You must submit a Business Name Registration to the Ohio Secretary of State’s office in order to register a trade name in Ohio. You can do this via mail or online. The registration is valid for five years, and the filing fee is $39.00. It’s crucial to understand that registering a trade name does not grant you the sole right to use it. You might need to file a trademark application for your trade name if you wish to protect it.
Finally, selecting a trade name is a crucial choice for any business owner. It is the name that customers will associate with your business, and it can significantly affect your brand and reputation. Knowing what a trade name is, how it differs from a legal business name, and how to register one will enable you to make an educated choice that will support the success of your company.