{"id":2685,"date":"2024-11-11T16:58:58","date_gmt":"2024-11-11T21:58:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/?p=2685"},"modified":"2025-08-19T15:05:10","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T19:05:10","slug":"why-you-should-register-a-trade-name-under-your-existing-corporation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/why-you-should-register-a-trade-name-under-your-existing-corporation\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Register a Trade Name Under Your Existing Corporation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Original Publish Date: May 24, 2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have an existing business and want to operate under a different business name, registering a trade name can be a smart move. Known as a \u201cdoing business as\u201d in Ontario or DBA, this registration lets you use a name other than your corporation\u2019s official title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Ontario, only corporations and general partnerships can register a trade name. Sole proprietorships don\u2019t have the option to add a doing business as name under their registration. Let&#8217;s explore the benefits of adding a trade name to your business and the steps to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Trade Name?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A trade name, or DBA, is a way for a business to legally operate under another name without changing the official corporate name. Operating a business as a DBA allows you to use a different trade name without changing the legal name of your company. This option provides corporations with flexibility for branding while keeping their formal legal structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ontario trade name registration can be beneficial for businesses expanding into new markets, introducing new products or services, or simply wanting to build brand recognition without altering their corporate name. A business name registration for a corporation allows a company to operate under a unique name that reflects its brand while meeting Ontario\u2019s legal requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Benefits of Registering a Trade Name Under Your Corporation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Filing a business trade name registration can be helpful in several ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Brand Flexibility: <\/strong>Using a tradename allows a corporation to present itself to customers under a name that\u2019s easier to remember or more relevant to its products or services. For example, a corporation named &#8220;12345 Ontario Inc.&#8221; could operate as &#8220;Elegant Event Planners&#8221; for a more memorable <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/word-of-mouth-branding-for-your-business-name\/\">brand<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Market Flexibility:<\/strong> If you\u2019re offering new goods or services, a trade name can help separate this new focus from your existing brand. For instance, \u201cToronto Sweets Inc.\u201d might add a tradename like \u201cSavory Slices\u201d if they start selling sandwiches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Streamlined Marketing: <\/strong>Using a trade name helps businesses drop the formal corporate endings like \u201cInc.\u201d or \u201cLtd.,\u201d which may look better on signage and marketing materials. This approach simplifies how clients see your business, making it easier to attract new customers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Convenience Across Locations: <\/strong>If your corporation has multiple locations, using distinct trade names for each can help target local markets effectively. For example, a plumbing company could register trade names like \u201cToronto Plumbing\u201d and \u201cHamilton Plumbing\u201d to better serve specific communities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Considerations When Registering a Trade Name<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before registering a trade name for your corporation, it\u2019s essential to know the basics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Costs &amp; Renewal: <\/strong>Trade name registration is generally affordable and easy to manage. However, requirements differ by province. For example, tradename registration in Ontario, along with sole proprietorships or partnerships, require renewal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Taxes: <\/strong>Since a trade name operates under an existing corporation, it doesn\u2019t require its own business number or separate tax filings. The corporation, as the legal entity that conducts business, remains responsible for taxes. If you&#8217;re unsure about your tax responsibilities, consider seeking legal advice to ensure compliance with corporate regulations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Multiple Trade Names Allowed: <\/strong>Ontario corporations can register multiple tradenames, allowing you to operate in various markets or test new products or services with minimal risk. They will each be registered business names in Ontario, but will fall under the responsibility of the corporation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Limited Legal Protection: <\/strong>Registering a trade name does not provide name protection. Name protection applies only to the corporate name; it protects your official corporate title, but not tradename.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/forms\/trade-name-registration.php\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"524\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/cta-start-a-business.webp\" alt=\"Ontario business registration made easy - professional using tablet with OBC online application to start business\" class=\"wp-image-6891\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/cta-start-a-business.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/cta-start-a-business-300x157.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/cta-start-a-business-768x402.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When Should You Consider Registering a Trade Name?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now that we\u2019ve covered the benefits, let\u2019s look at when you should think about using a trade name:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>When You Operate as a Numbered Company: <\/strong>If your corporation has a number-based name like \u201c12345 Ontario Inc.,\u201d a tradename like can help build a more memorable brand with you carry on business.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>When Simplifying Your Name for Marketing: <\/strong>If your full corporate name includes formal endings like \u201cInc.\u201d or \u201cLtd.,\u201d using a trade name allows you to drop them. For example, \u201cSunshine Landscapes Inc.\u201d could register \u201cSunshine Landscapes\u201d as its tradename for marketing purposes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>When Expanding to New Markets: <\/strong>A tradename allows you to branch into different products or services. For instance, \u201cPure Fitness Inc.\u201d could expand with \u201cPure Supplements\u201d as a tradename if they start selling fitness supplements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>For Professional Corporations: <\/strong>In some cases, professional corporations, like those of accountants or lawyers, want to operate under a brand that isn\u2019t limited by regulatory naming rules. A tradename like \u201cMain Street Accounting\u201d gives them the flexibility to do so.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Business Name Search Before Registering Your Trade Name<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before moving forward, you should check the availability of your desired tradename. In Ontario, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/forms\/business-name-search.php\">NUANS reservation<\/a> is not required for trade name registration. Completing a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/forms\/preliminary-name-search-nuans-search-and-report.php\">preliminary NUANS search<\/a> can help you avoid potential conflicts with existing businesses. Provinces like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/register-small-business-british-columbia.php\">British Columbia<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/register-small-business-saskatchewan.php\">Saskatchewan<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/register-small-business-manitoba.php\">Manitoba<\/a> require a name reservation through the Provincial Ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ontario Business Central\u2019s help with name approval and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/forms\/business-registration.php\">business name registration<\/a>, we can conduct the necessary searches for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Steps to Register a Trade Name for Your Corporation in Ontario<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When ready to register, here\u2019s what to expect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Choose &amp; Confirm Your Trade Name: <\/strong>Order a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/forms\/preliminary-name-search-nuans-search-and-report.php\">preliminary NUANS name search<\/a> from Ontario Business Central to confirm that your name is available. This step isn\u2019t required in Ontario when registering business trade names, but can provide peace of mind that your name is unique. A NUANS reservation is required when you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/incorporation.php\">incorporate<\/a> your business.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Complete Registration: <\/strong>Ontario Business Central simplifies the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/forms\/trade-name-registration.php\">tradename registration<\/a> process, ensuring you meet Ontario\u2019s legal requirements and have all necessary documents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Understand Renewal Requirements: <\/strong>Keep track of renewal dates to maintain your trade name registration. In Ontario, trade names are valid for 5 years. Ontario Business Central will help you stay on top of renewals and send renewal reminder e-mails.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Ontario Business Central Can Help<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ontario Business Central provides quick, reliable support for trade name registration in Ontario, with expert knowledge in provincial regulations. Our services cover everything from business registration to managing legal requirements, and we can help ensure a smooth process in Ontario or other Canadian provinces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learning how to register a trade name in Canada can help your business operate under a unique name that distinguishes its brand without changing the legal name.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"lyte-wrapper\" style=\"width:1280px;max-width:100%;margin:5px;\"><div class=\"lyMe\" id=\"WYL_CTykB47i1DM\"><div id=\"lyte_CTykB47i1DM\" data-src=\"\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/CTykB47i1DM\/hqdefault.jpg\" class=\"pL\"><div class=\"tC\"><div class=\"tT\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"play\"><\/div><div class=\"ctrl\"><div class=\"Lctrl\"><\/div><div class=\"Rctrl\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><noscript><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/CTykB47i1DM\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/CTykB47i1DM\/0.jpg\" alt=\"YouTube video thumbnail\" width=\"1280\" height=\"700\" \/><br \/>Watch this video on YouTube<\/a><\/noscript><\/div><\/div><div class=\"lL\" style=\"max-width:100%;width:1280px;margin:5px;\"><\/div><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs About Trade Name Registration for Corporations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What\u2019s the Difference Between a Corporate Name &amp; a Trade Name?<\/strong><br>A corporate name is the official registered name of the business. A trade name is simply the name the business operates under for branding purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Can I Register More Than One Trade Name?<\/strong><br>Yes, Ontario corporations and General Partnerships can register multiple tradenames, allowing flexibility for various market focuses or products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Is My Trade Name Legally Protected?<\/strong><br>Unlike your corporate name, a tradename does not have name protection. Ensure your corporate name is unique for maximum security. When you register your business, the details become part of the public record, accessible to anyone searching for information on registered companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Can I Change My Trade Name?<\/strong><br>You can cancel a tradename anytime and register a new one. Ontario Business Central can assist with filing a new DBA in Ontario. Like a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/forms\/sole-proprietorship-registration.php\">sole proprietor<\/a>, the registered name cannot be changed. Ensure you choose a business name that aligns with your brand and objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get Started Today With Ontario Business Central<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re ready to register your trade name, Ontario Business Central provides reliable support across Ontario and other provinces. Our team can guide you through every step of the process, making it easy to establish a brand under your corporation\u2019s umbrella. Our experts can answer any questions you have about how to register a company name in Ontario.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have questions, our support team is ready to assist with your business needs via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/contactus.php\">phone, email, or chat<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ctabig-button wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/register-small-business-alberta.php\">ALBERTA REGISTRATION<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ctabig-button wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/register-small-business-british-columbia.php\">BRITISH COLUMBIA REGISTRATION<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ctabig-button wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/register-small-business-manitoba.php\">MANITOBA REGISTRATION<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ctabig-button wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/forms\/business-registration.php\">ONTARIO BUSINESS REGISTRATION<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ctabig-button wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/register-small-business-saskatchewan.php\">SASKATCHEWAN REGISTRATION<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"&#x6d;&#x61;&#105;&#108;&#116;o&#x3a;&#x69;&#x6e;&#113;&#117;ir&#x69;&#x65;&#x73;&#64;&#111;n&#x74;&#x61;&#x72;&#105;&#111;&#98;u&#x73;&#x69;&#x6e;&#101;&#115;sc&#x65;&#x6e;&#x74;&#114;&#97;l&#x2e;&#x63;&#x61;\">&#105;&#x6e;q&#117;&#x69;r&#105;&#x65;s&#64;&#x6f;n&#116;&#x61;&#114;&#x69;&#x6f;&#98;&#x75;&#x73;&#105;&#x6e;e&#115;&#x73;c&#101;&#x6e;t&#114;&#x61;l&#46;&#x63;&#97;<\/a><br>Toll-Free: 1-877-306-9458<br>Local: 1-416-599-9009<br>Fax: 1-866-294-4363<br>Office Hours: 9:00am \u2013 5:00pm<br>Monday \u2013 Friday E.S.T.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Ontario Business Central Inc. is not a law firm and cannot provide a legal opinion or advice. This information is to assist you in understanding the requirements of registration within the chosen jurisdiction. It is always recommended, when you have legal or accounting questions that you speak to a qualified professional.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Original Publish Date: May 24, 2019 If you have an existing business and want to&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":7784,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"show","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[180,146,168,169,134,166,145],"class_list":["post-2685","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-registration","tag-business-planning","tag-corporation","tag-faq","tag-how-to-guide","tag-ontario","tag-step-by-step","tag-trade-name"],"rttpg_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/business-tradename-registration.webp",1150,767,false],"landscape":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/business-tradename-registration.webp",1150,767,false],"portraits":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/business-tradename-registration.webp",1150,767,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/business-tradename-registration-150x150.webp",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/business-tradename-registration-300x200.webp",300,200,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/business-tradename-registration-1024x683.webp",1024,683,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/business-tradename-registration.webp",1150,767,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/business-tradename-registration.webp",1150,767,false],"obc-archive-card":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/business-tradename-registration.webp",607,405,false],"obc-archive-card-2x":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/business-tradename-registration.webp",1150,767,false],"obc-archive":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/business-tradename-registration.webp",810,540,false],"obc-archive-2x":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/business-tradename-registration.webp",1150,767,false],"rt_custom":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/business-tradename-registration.webp",1150,767,false]},"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"Michela Ellis","author_link":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/author\/michela-ellis\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/category\/starting-a-business\/business-registration\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Business Registration<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"Original Publish Date: May 24, 2019 If you have an existing business and want to...","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2685","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2685"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2685\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10151,"href":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2685\/revisions\/10151"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7784"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2685"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2685"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2685"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}