Choosing a Business Name FAQ

Questions:

• What's the best type of name for my business?
• What issues should I keep in mind when picking a name for my business?
• How do I find out if the business name I want is available?
• What is a trademark?
• What is the "legal name" of my business?
• What is a fictitious business name?
• Do I have to register my business name?
• Can I change my business name to include "Inc." or "LLC"?

Answer:

Can I change my business name to include "Inc." or "LLC"?

Some people confuse choosing a business name with choosing a type of ownership structure, such as a corporation or limited liability company (LLC). But you can't just tack "Inc." or "LLC" onto the end of your business name and start calling yourself a corporation or LLC.

First you must form a corporation or LLC, and to do so you've got to follow certain filing procedures to register the new type of company with your state. For more information on the various types of businesses, see Learn About Business Ownership Structures.

For step-by-step help in choosing and registering your business name, see The Small Business Start-Up Kit: A Step-by-Step Legal Guide, by Peri H. Pakroo (Nolo).