How to Register a Company Name

A company name is considered the first contact a potential consumer has with the business and thus it should not be arrived at with whimsy or because it reminds one of a favorite pet. Instead it needs to be the result of cold, calculating market research. Once decided upon, registering that company name is of vital importance because only a registered name is protected against anyone else using it and thus capitalizing on--or detracting from--your business’s good reputation. Those wondering how to register a company name will be relieved to hear that it is a simple process that can be accomplished in just a few uncomplicated steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Name Registration Form completely filled out
• Filing fee
• Proof of publication (if required)

Register a Company Name

1. Visit your County Clerk’s office to get all the forms you need to register your company name. Requirements vary from state to state. Depending on where your business is headquartered, you may need to register with the Secretary of State or the County Clerk. It is imperative that you get this process in the works within 30 days of your very first business transaction as a seller, buyer, or service provider.
2. Search the available databases for any other businesses that may already have the same company name you are wishing to register. If you find that another business has also registered the same name, you need to decide on a new company name.
3. Fill out the forms you are given completely. Pay special attention to the designation portion of your business because once you register your company name as a limited liability company when it is actually a partnership, going back to correct the forms will take precious time, effort, and in some cases require extra filing fees.
4. Return the form to register a company name accompanied by any fees and support documentation. Always keep copies of the forms you are turning in, and when sending in documents in support of your filing, do not give originals unless specifically ordered to do so.
5. Consider using an online service, such as Legal Zoom, to do the filing for you online. If you reside in Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Missouri, Oklahoma or Washington, your signature is not required and the forms can be filed online with the help of the service.
6. Once approved by the County Clerk’s office, business owners residing in California, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska or Pennsylvania are required to publish in a local newspaper your intent to do business under a certain company name for four successive weeks. A specific section is set aside in local papers just for this purpose and once your listing has run and is paid for, you may ask the newspaper office to furnish you with an affidavit that verifies the publication of your company name. You are required to file a copy of this affidavit with the County Clerk within 30 days of completing the publication requirement.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that unless you have registered your company name, no bank will open an account in the business’ name.
• When you incorporate your company you will automatically register your company name and thus you need to do nothing else.
• Plan on applying for trademark protection if you are thinking of expanding your business nationwide or even globally. This requires you to file an application registering your company name as a federal trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.