Yes, it is perfectly acceptable for someone to register an entity (be it an LLC, LLP, or corporation) with the same name as your DBA.
How do you use a DBA name?
Write your “doing business as” name exactly the way you register it. For example, if Jane T. Bride, a sole proprietor, wants to open a bridal boutique under the name “Bridal Haven,” she can register the name with her state or county clerk. Once approved, she would write her company’s legal name as “Bridal Haven.”
What should my DBA name be?
DBA stands for “doing business as.” It’s also referred to as your business’s assumed, trade or fictitious name. Filing for a DBA allows you to conduct business under a name other than your own; your DBA is different from your name as the business owner, or your business’s legal, registered name.
How do I protect my DBA name?
File a federal trademark.
- Check your national trademark registration authority to search for names similar to yours.
- Look for another name if your business name is already taken.
- Consider filing the trademark application yourself (if your business name is available).
What’s the difference between a trade name and a DBA?
A trade name may also be called a doing business as ( DBA) name. It’s the name the public sees. Think of it as your business’s nickname. Businesses may use their trade or DBA name for marketing and sales purposes instead of their legal business name to help draw in more customers.
Is it important to check business name availability?
Checking business name availability is crucial to your business, whether it’s your legal or fictitious business name. In order to stay out of trouble when it comes to your business name, it is worthwhile to understand the basics of trademark law.
Is it safe to use another business name?
If you are satisfied that the name you want to use is unique within your industry, then you should feel pretty safe about using it. However, if you have found evidence that there may be another business that is already using your business name, or a very similar name, then you should be careful.
Where can I find a fictitious business name?
The next step in your search that you should take is to go through the fictitious name database that is kept by your county or state government. These databases will contain all the registered fictitious business names (or DBA names) that are in use in your county or state. This is a great next step to take after using an online search engine.
