A business name is simply a name or title under which a person, or other legal entity, trades. It not only identifies you to your customers, but also allows you to differentiate yourself from your competitors and enables your customers to make an emotional connection to your business and brand. For many businesses, the name is often the most valuable asset.
When setting up your business, if you choose to operate as a sole trader, partnership or a trust, and not as a company, then you will have to register your business name in the state or territory in which you’ll operate. If your business name includes your, or your partner’s, first name and surname, then you don’t need to register your business name.
If you’re setting up your business in more than one state, you'll need to register your business name separately in each state.
Registering a business name does not in itself give you any exclusive rights over the use of that name—only a trade mark can give you that kind of protection. Ensure you have exclusive use of your name now and in the future throughout Australia by applying for a trade mark.
Renewing a business name
The length of registration for business names and renewal fees vary from state to state. Usually, you’ll receive a renewal notice from your state or territory fair trading or consumer affairs agency one month before your renewal fees are due. If you haven’t received a notice, contact your relevant agency.
New National Business Names Registration System
A new National Business Names Registration System is expected to commence in May 2012 and will replace the current state and territory registers.
Once the system has commenced, all business name registrations will be managed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
For more information on these changes, visit our New National Business Names Registration System page or the ASIC website.
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