Business names are also known as trade names or brand names.
This article should help you decide whether to register a business name, what name to use and figure out the process for registering a business name.
Business names are cool because you can use them to create different brands for one company. For example, if you have a successful grocery store called “Sundeep’s Grocery Store Inc.” and you want to try a new line of business selling your own doughnuts. You could register a separate name for that venture, like “Corner Doughnuts”, rather than using your existing name or setting up a separate company. You can also trademark your brand names, a topic we will cover in a separate article.
Do you need to register your business name?
If you are operating a business in a name other than your own legal name, then you must register that business name with the province of Ontario.
Sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations, and other entities can register business names.
Let’s see some examples:
- In case of a corporation:
Suppose your corporation’s name is “1234 Ontario Limited”, and it wishes to operate under a different business name, like “Jake’s Car Wash”. In that case, it must register “Jake’s Car Wash” as a business name.
- In case of a sole proprietorship:
Registered registration is not required if you are a sole proprietor trading under your own name (e.g. Jane Doe). But if you wish to operate under a different name, like “Jane Doe Consultancy”, then registration is mandatory.
How to choose a business name
Choosing a suitable name for your business can be an overwhelming experience. If you don’t know where to start, keep reading this article.
To choose a business name, you can use the table below to understand what is and is not allowed in business name(s).
| Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Distinctive and unique names | Same as already existing business name(s) or trademark(s) |
| Description and/or location of the business | Obscene words |
| Words that build trust | Royal connotations, e.g. ‘Royal’, ‘Prince Charles’ etc. |
There is also online software designed to help people come up with business names! Here are a few:
1. namelix
2. Novanym
3. Squadhelp
Process of registering a business name in Ontario
Here is the process that you can expect:
Step 1: Choosing your business name
Choose your top 3 picks for a business name.
Step 2: Checking the availability of your desired business name(s)
We check the availability of your business name(s) by conducting a name search. The search can either be basic—an Enhanced Business Name Search (“EBNS”)—or comprehensive, a NUANS report. The cost of the first is less than the cost of the latter.
Upon receipt of either of the EBNS or NUANS report, you must check if any names are similar/identical to the proposed name. If the report suggests that other businesses use similar/exact business names, consider obtaining another EBNS or NUANS report for other business names in your list.
Step 3: Register your business name
Once the name is finalized, we will then proceed to filing the application in Ontario for you. The application is rather comprehensive. We will collect from you your business address, information of owners, directors, shareholders (if a corporation), employees information, etc.
Once we submit the business name application, the government processing time can be anywhere from immediate to up to 2 business days. At the end of the process, you will receive a Master Business License.
If you decide to register a business name in Ontario, then you can get help by contacting us. Tobuso has helped many businesses register their business names in Ontario. Our processes make it easy for you to obtain a Master Business Licence almost immediately.
Tobuso is experienced in providing cost-effective, professional business and incorporation services throughout Canada. If you are interested in moving forward with a business name registration or need other kinds of corporate assistance, our skilled team is standing by to help you.
