If your sole proprietor or LLC name is your legal name, a DBA will allow you to sell your goods or services under a name other than your legal name. It also creates a level of professionalism by separating your personal name from your business name.

Do I need a DBA for a product name?

Do I need a DBA name for my California business? If you are operating your business under a name other than its legal name, you’re required to acquire a DBA name. A sole proprietorship or partnership must get a DBA if doing business under any name different from the legal name of the owner or owners.

Can a DBA own a trademark?

Yes, you can trademark a DBA or fictitious business name if you use the name to brand your products or services. If you use a particular DBA as your brand name, it is entitled to the same legal protection that any other brand name would receive. As such, your trademark will only cover your particular field or market.

How much does it cost to buy a DBA?

DBA requirements vary by state, county, city and business structure, but in general, registering a DBA comes with paperwork and filing fees anywhere from $10 to $100. You’ll either go to your county clerk’s office to file your paperwork or you’ll do so with your state government.

Do online stores need a DBA?

There’s only one reason you would not need to file for a DBA if you are operating an online business. If you choose to conduct business under your own personal name, you don’t need to file for a DBA. In all other circumstances, though, you need to register the name since it’s not your personal name.

Does a DBA protect my business name?

Registering your DBA name doesn’t provide legal protection by itself, but most states require you to register your DBA if you use one. A DBA lets you conduct business under a different identity from your own personal name or your formal business entity name.

Can someone else trademark your business name?

If someone uses your name, simply showing proof that you’ve trademarked the name could be enough to convince a business to choose something else. Most importantly, if you must go to court, you’ll have legal proof that you registered the name. However, you don’t have to trademark your business name to protect it.

Why does a business have to have a DBA?

The Doing Business As or Fictitious Business Name designation was created as a form of consumer protection, to prevent unscrupulous business owners from operating under a different name to avoid legal trouble. When a business files a DBA, it’s typically printed in the local newspaper, so the community can see who is behind the business.

Can a trade name be registered as a DBA?

A trade name can be registered by any type of business such as LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits. A DBA is an alias and is not an actual business entity. It has to be associated with a legal entity. Those who are on a budget can register a DBA as it’s simple and cost-effective way to start your business.

Do you need a DBA to sell on the Internet?

It’s a common question asked by those who want to sell products or services using the internet. DBA stands for doing business as. It is often referred to as a fictitious name or an assumed name. Some people also refer to it as a trade name or an alias.

Where do I file a DBA for my business?

However, in order to do that you MUST file a DBA under the corporation in the state/ county that your corporation is conducting business within doing business under the name SSI or any other ACRN for the business. We can assist you with filing a dba under the corporation in any state or county.