How Do I Register My Business Name to Protect It?

Registering a business name is the formal process of recording a company’s identity with government authorities. It’s one of the most important steps company owners must take.

Firstly, doing this helps create a key layer of legal separation between the business as a distinct entity and its owners. Not to mention that formal registration of a name provides a legal basis with which a company can defend its use of the name against competitors illegitimately seeking to capitalize on it.

We’ve put together this article to provide entrepreneurs with globally applicable and practical insights into how to register your business and protect its identity. While requirements can differ between jurisdictions, the process generally follows consistent steps.

Understanding Business Name Registration

In simple terms, registering a business name is the legal process of documenting the name under which a legal business entity intends to operate.

It’s important to recognize that the steps to register your business as a legal entity and registering a trade name are not necessarily the same thing. The former involves the jurisdictionally required process of forming a company—seincluding obtaining relevant business licenses or arranging articles of incorporation—that allows a company to legally begin operating.

By contrast, registering a trade name is literally focused on legally formalizing what title the company is trading under. This is sometimes also known as a Doing Business As (DBA) name. In some instances, name registration is included in the entity registration process.

However, if a company wishes to trade under a different name to the one with which it was formed—particularly if it wants to do so without establishing how to dissolve a business—a separate registration process needs to be completed.

Aside from maintaining compliance, correctly registering a name helps to protect companies from conflicts with competitors, as it usually gives the registered company the sole rights to utilize the name in the jurisdiction. This also boosts brand recognition practices by helping to maintain consistency and clarity.

Steps to Register a Business Name

Step 1: Searching

The first step involves conducting a name search. Most authorities don’t allow multiple companies to operate under the same name to avoid potential legal complications or confusion among consumers.

As a result, a lot of jurisdictions provide access to online databases that entrepreneurs can use to establish if their intended name has already been used. In some cases, a written request for the authority to confirm availability must be performed.

Step 2: Reservation

In some instances, entrepreneurs need to reserve their chosen name. This is not required in all cases or in all jurisdictions. Nevertheless, some authorities recognize that registration processes and verification of documents can be lengthy, and therefore allow reservation to prevent others from attempting to register the name during that time. This is especially useful where complex incorporation documents are involved.

Step 3: Filing

Next, the entrepreneur needs to officially file with the relevant authority. Where the filing needs to take place depends on the jurisdiction, but will typically be either a corporate registry service, Secretary of State office, Chamber of Commerce, or other similar body.

Step 4: Payment and Completion

The filing process typically involves the completion of standardized forms related to the name registration, alongside providing any required documentation regarding ownership and structure.

In some cases, registration will require proof of business insurance, in which case it’s important to explore the question of “What insurance do I need to start a business?”​ There will usually be fees paid at this stage, too, with costs varying widely between jurisdictions.

Step 5: Maintaining Proof

After a period of review, the entrepreneur receives official confirmation of registration. It is vital to securely store this document, including keeping digital copies. These documents are not just important for protecting the company’s identity, but may also be required for opening bank accounts or dealing with authorities.

Global Considerations in Registering a Business Name

It’s important to recognize that while the general principles are usually consistent, the details of name registration processes vary across countries.

For instance, an increasing number of regions are allowing entrepreneurs to file using online platforms to ensure efficiency and convenience. However, others have not yet implemented this and rely on in-person submissions, appointments at government offices, and notarized documentation.

This can be even more complex for those operating across borders, as misunderstanding the variations can cause significant disruption and potential unnecessary costs. As a result, it is vital for entrepreneurs to gain a thorough understanding of applicable international laws. 

Many companies work with consulting professionals—such as corporate business formation consultant services—that have experience navigating the challenges of global registrations. These advisors can provide invaluable guidance on identifying legal and compliance elements of specific jurisdictions and ensuring companies take the right steps to protect their names in each region.

Protecting Your Business Name Beyond Registration

Name registration isn’t the only tool companies use to protect their brand identities. Trademark registration can bolster a company’s safeguarding efforts, establishing legal protections for logos, slogans, and other key visual brand identifiers. This is distinct from name registration not just because it applies to visual components, but also because it usually covers broader international areas.

Another important tool is domain name registration. This ensures that the company matches its name to its website URL, protecting the brand from competitors in digital spaces and supporting easier online customer engagement.

In essence, the important factor here is that entrepreneurs should take steps to align brand identity across legal, digital, and commercial components. Doing so helps to minimize potential gaps that could be exploited by competitors or cause disruption.

Checking if Your Business Name Is Registered

Checking whether or not your business name is already officially in use is a fundamental step. Most governments today provide entrepreneurs with access to online databases or registries. This is usually relatively quick, involving a simple search. 

In some countries, though, manual checks may be necessary. This might involve attending a government office in person, or requesting a search in writing.

In either case, it is vital to confirm the availability of the name before submitting paperwork. If the name has already been taken, the application may be rejected, causing further delays and potential loss of the filing fee.

Registering an Online Business Name

Operating an online business doesn’t make official name registration any less vital than for brick-and-mortar companies. Both types of businesses require the same legal protections, as many jurisdictions don’t differentiate on a regulatory or legal basis between online and physical businesses.

When asking “How do I register my online business name​?”, it is especially important to secure both the legal entity name and the related domain name. Wherever possible, social media handles should also match. This is not just a matter of securing legal and competitive protections, but also ensuring brand consistency in digital space.

It’s also important to note that some governments impose specific registration requirements on online commerce businesses.

For instance, Dubai requires an e-commerce license, while the E.U. requires e-commerce businesses to arrange VAT registration in alignment with the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) to facilitate compliant cross-border sales. Ensuring naming consistency in these registrations helps mitigate complications.

FAQs

How do I register my business name?

You will need to file necessary forms and documentation with the appropriate regulatory authority, along with paying relevant fees. From there, you’ll need to await approval of the registration.

How do I check if my business name is registered?

Checking is usually performed through online government databases or by contacting local registries.

How do I know if my business name is registered?

The relevant registering authority will contact you with official confirmation once the application is approved.

How do I register my online business name?

It usually follows a similar process to in-person companies, by filing with the appropriate government authority alongside securing the online domain name.

Is registering a business name the same as trademarking it?

No. Name registration enables localized legal recognition, while a trademark provides broader protection of visual brand identifiers.

References

United Arab Emirates Government. (2025). eCommerce. UAE. https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/business/ecommerce 

European Commission. (2025). VAT One Stop Shop. European Commission. https://vat-one-stop-shop.ec.europa.eu/index_en