Starting a business is an exciting step but before you can sell a product, issue an invoice, or open a business bank account, you need to legally register your business name. This step may seem straightforward, but the process differs significantly depending on whether you’re in the United States, the United Kingdom, or other European Union (EU) countries.
At Alfie & Associates Legal, we help entrepreneurs, startups, and investors navigate the registration process efficiently—whether they’re launching in Manhattan, Berlin, or Barcelona.
This blog post covers:
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Why business name registration matters
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Step-by-step guides for the U.S., UK, and EU countries
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Legal protections you gain (and those you don’t)
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Common mistakes to avoid
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How a lawyer can help you set up for long-term success
1. What Is Business Name Registration?
Registering a business name means you’re officially declaring to the government the identity under which you’ll operate your business. This name may be:
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The same as your legal entity (e.g., Alfie & Associates LLC)
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A “Doing Business As” (DBA) or “trading name” different from your legal name
Benefits of registering your business name:
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Legal compliance
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Public visibility and legitimacy
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Allows you to open business bank accounts
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Required for contracts and invoices
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Enables brand development and trademark protection
2. How to Register a Business Name in the United States
In the U.S., registration is done at the state level, not federal (except for trademarks or certain licenses). The process varies by state but typically involves the following steps:
Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure
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Sole Proprietorship
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Partnership
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Limited Liability Company (LLC)
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Corporation (S-Corp or C-Corp)
Each structure affects your taxes, liability, and registration requirements.
Step 2: Check Name Availability
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Use your state’s Secretary of State website to run a name search.
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The name must be unique and not deceptively similar to existing businesses.
Step 3: Register Your Business Entity
If you’re forming an LLC or Corporation:
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File Articles of Organization or Incorporation
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Pay a state filing fee (ranges from $50–$500)
Step 4: File a DBA (if needed)
If your business operates under a different name than your legal entity:
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File a “Fictitious Business Name” or “DBA” form.
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Check if publication in a local newspaper is required (some states mandate this).
Step 5: Apply for an EIN
Most businesses need a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS—even if they don’t hire employees.
3. How to Register a Business Name in the United Kingdom
The UK has a centralized process through Companies House, making it easier for entrepreneurs to register quickly and online.
Step 1: Choose a Legal Structure
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Sole Trader
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Partnership
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Limited Company (LTD)
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Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Step 2: Check Name Rules
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Your name must be unique, not offensive, and not contain sensitive words (e.g., “Bank,” “Royal”) without approval.
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Use the Companies House Name Availability Checker.
Step 3: Register the Name
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Sole Traders: No registration unless using a trading name; notify HMRC.
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Limited Companies: Register with Companies House for £12 (online) or £40 (by mail).
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You’ll receive a Certificate of Incorporation.
Step 4: Protect Your Name
Registration does not give you trademark rights. To protect your name legally, consider applying for a UK trademark with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).
4. How to Register a Business Name in the European Union
In the EU, business name registration is handled nationally, and processes vary widely. However, most countries follow a similar framework.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure
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Sole Proprietorship (e.g., Auto-entrepreneur in France)
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Private Limited Company (e.g., GmbH, SARL)
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Public Limited Company (e.g., AG, S.A.)
Step 2: Name Search and Reservation
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Search local business registries (e.g., Handelsregister in Germany, Registro Mercantil in Spain).
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Some countries allow online name reservations.
Step 3: Draft Founding Documents
These typically include:
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Articles of Association
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Memorandum of Incorporation
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Shareholder agreements
Step 4: File Registration
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Submit documents to the national commercial registry.
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Often requires notarization (e.g., in Germany and Italy).
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Pay registration fees (varies by country; €100–€500 average).
Step 5: Tax and Social Security Registration
Once registered, you must:
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Get a VAT ID (if required)
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Register with tax authorities
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Register for social contributions (if hiring employees)
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using a Name Without Checking Availability
This can lead to legal disputes, rejection of your application, or rebranding costs.
❌ Thinking Registration Equals Trademark Protection
Registering a name doesn’t prevent others from using a similar name—only a registered trademark does that.
❌ Ignoring Local Language or Cultural Issues
A name that works in English may be inappropriate or misleading in another language (e.g., slang terms, awkward translations).
❌ Missing Renewals or Updates
Some jurisdictions require annual renewals or updates to your company registry. Missing these can result in penalties or dissolution.
6. Should You Trademark Your Business Name?
Registering your business name does not automatically grant exclusive rights to it. For stronger protection, you should consider:
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U.S. Trademark via the USPTO
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UK Trademark via the IPO
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EU Trademark (EUTM) via the EUIPO for protection in all 27 EU member states
Trademark protection:
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Prevents others from using confusingly similar names
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Strengthens your brand identity
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Increases the value of your business
7. Why Work with a Business Lawyer?
The registration process may seem simple, but it’s the foundation of your brand, legal obligations, and growth trajectory.
At Alfie & Associates Legal, we:
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Conduct business name availability searches across jurisdictions
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Draft and file all necessary formation documents
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Guide you on intellectual property protection
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Advise on the most tax-efficient business structure
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Handle cross-border entity formation if you’re expanding internationally
We’ve helped startups register in the U.S. and Europe, ensuring their names are not only compliant—but protected.
Conclusion: Start Smart—Register Your Business Name the Right Way
Whether you’re opening a design studio in New York, launching an e-commerce site in London, or expanding your consulting firm into Berlin, your business name is more than just a label—it’s your legal identity and your public promise.
With Alfie & Associates Legal by your side, you can register your business properly, avoid common pitfalls, and lay the legal foundation for a successful enterprise.
Thinking of launching or expanding your business?
Schedule a free consultation with Alfie & Associates Legal today—we’ll make sure your business name is registered, protected, and ready for growth.
