#HOW DO I REGISTER A BUSINESS NAME IN OHIO REGISTRATION#

#HOW DO I REGISTER A BUSINESS NAME IN OHIO REGISTRATION#

If no renewal is timely filed, the name registration expires. After receiving authorization to proceed with your trade name registration, the next step is to fill out form 534A. Upon filing the renewal, the name is registered for an additional five years. A Trademark used in Ohio may be registered with the Secretary of State by filling out an application. The registration must be renewed at some point within the six months before the registration expires. The registration fee for a trade name or fictitious name is $50 and the registration is effective for five years. Fictitious names are often used when a business wants to become a franchise. Registration of a fictitious name does not give the user any exclusive right to use the name. A fictitious name does not have to be distinguishable and is not protected from use by another business. Many filings can also be completed online at (opens in a new window). You can file online with the Secretary of State’s website, or you can complete the Name Registration form. If you drop off documents in the vestibule, a response will be mailed to you. Your Ohio trade name can be filed online or by mail with the Secretary of State. For your convenience, a document drop box is available for use as well. The difference between the two is that a trade name must be distinguishable from any other registered trade name and cannot be used by others once it is registered. General Partnerships have the option to file their business name as (1) a trade name, (2) fictitious name or (3) they may file the name on the Statement of Partnership Authority, in which case it is treated as a fictitious name. Please call 877.767.3453 (877-SOS-OHIO) to see if a walk up appointment is available. Your business name can be registered with as a trade name or a fictitious name. It is important to register your business name before applying for your Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN) with the Internal Revenue System. Some business names are subject to additional restrictions and/or requirements. Ohio law requires that new business names do not conflict with other previously registered business names.

The Ohio Secretary of State approves and keeps a registry of business names. Your farm’s name should be memorable and let customers know the purpose of your business.įrom a legal perspective, business names must be registered with the secretary of state in Ohio if the business engages in commerce under any name other than the legal name of the owners (for sole proprietorship and partnerships) or if the business is a corporation or limited liability company. Marrison, OSU Extension Educator & Associate ProfessorĪ recent question received by the Ohio Ag Manager Team was: “How do I register my farm’s name in Ohio?” First, remember that choosing the right name for your farm business is important.

How do i register a business name in ohio