What is a Business Name?

A business name is simply a name under which a person or other legal entity may conduct its business.  Under the Business Names Act 1963,  if you choose a name for your business that is not your own name then you must register the name of your business with the Registrar-General's Office.   For example, if your name is Jennifer Jones  and you are trading under 'Jennifer Jones' Salon', registration of that name is compulsory.

The main purpose of the Register of Business Names is to provide a means for finding out the details of the proprietors of a business in situations where the business is not trading under the proprietor's name. The Register contains details such as when a particular name was registered and when the registration is due to expire.

Be aware that registering your business name does not give you ownership of that name. Registering a particular name does not stop another person from registering a similar name nor does it give you the exclusive right to use the name or part of the name.

• What is a Business Name?
• What should I consider when choosing a Business Name?
• How do I register a Business Name?
• How do I make changes to the registered particulars of a Business Name?
• How do I renew a Business Name?
• How do I cease a Business Name?
• How do I get Access to the Business Names Register?
• Business Names Practice Manual - Useful practical information as used by staff within the Registrar-General's Office