A step-by-step guide to registering a business name in California
So, have you decided to start your business? We highly recommend that you register the business name. Registering your business name ensures that you give it essential protection within the state of operations and ensures that no one else can use your unique business name.
While it is true that starting a business involves hard work and requires significant time, investment, and great energy, protecting your business name shouldn’t be overlooked.
Many people may have thought of the same name as you would want for your business, so how to make sure that only you will use it and there are no copycats in the market, it is better to register the business name.
Registering your business name
You are ready to operate a business under a name. Now is the time for you to know about a critical step in establishing a new enterprise. It is – registering the business name. The business name is also termed a trading name or an operating name. This is the name under which an individual or a legal entity operates the business.
Which businesses should have their names registered?
- Limited liability companies (LLCs)
- Limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
- Limited partnerships (LPs)
- Professional corporations
- Corporations
How to register the name of the business – What you should know
There are four different ways through which you can register the business name. They are:
Let us go through these options in detail:
1. Entity name
If you want your business name to be protected at a state level and avail the benefits of a formal legal structure, then you need an entity name. When you have aimed to form an LLC or corporation, it typically needs an entity name. By legally registering your entity name, you ensure that your business name is unique and exclusively available only for you.
2. Trademark
Businesses can choose to register for both a state trademark and a national trademark. A trademark prevents others in a similar field of business from using your trademarked names. Federal trademark registration can give businesses the advantage of better legal protection nationwide.
3. Doing business as (DBA) name
Doing business as a (DBA) name is often considered an efficient approach to protecting the business name within your state. It involves completing the formal process of establishing a corporate entity under the state's laws. Also called a ‘fictitious name’, this DBA enables a business owner more freedom on what he/she calls his/her business.
4. Domain name
Even though this is not a legal requirement. For those wishing to establish their online presence, you must register a domain name, URL, or website address. This is the one that will direct the customers to your business website.
Of the various options listed here, choosing the right one is based on your business situation.
Why do you register a business name?
- For limited liability partnership (LLP)
- To open a bank account for your proprietorship
- For funding the business
- To fulfill the buyer Criteria
- For easy transferability
Our Services
Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships
LLC or Corporation
C-Corporation
S-Corporation
Non-profit organization
Start an LLC corporation in California
