As a business owner, you may wish to operate your Ontario corporation under more than one business name. This can help to differentiate your company’s products or services and to target different markets. Fortunately, it is possible to operate a corporation under multiple business names in Ontario. Here is an overview of the process and requirements.
Firstly, it is important to note that a business name is not the same as a corporation name. Your corporation name is the legal name of your business, as registered with the Ontario government. A business name, on the other hand, is a name under which your corporation will be conducting business.
To register a business name for your Ontario corporation, you will need to conduct a NUANS (New Upgraded Automated Name Search) search to ensure that the name you want is available. This search can be done online or through a NUANS search provider. Once you have found an available name, you will need to register it with the government. This can be done online through the ServiceOntario website, or by completing a form and submitting it to the government. There is a fee for registering a business name.
It is important to note that each business name you register must be unique and not too similar to existing business names or trademarks. In addition, there are some restrictions on business names that are considered misleading or inappropriate.
Once you have registered your business name(s), you will need to ensure that it is properly displayed on all business documents, including invoices, contracts, and advertisements. You may also need to obtain additional licenses or permits depending on the nature of your business and the industry you operate in.
In conclusion, an Ontario corporation can operate under multiple business names, but each name must be registered separately and meet certain requirements. If you need assistance with registering business names or other corporate matters, contact Falcon Law PC at 1-877-892-7778 or info@falconlawyers.ca. Our experienced corporate lawyers can guide you through the process and ensure that your business is compliant with all legal requirements.
