You must register your business with the following government agencies: Once your name is approved, your business name is reserved for 56 calendar days. Integrating now or later is sometimes a difficult question for start-ups. Name protection is just one of many factors to consider. My usual advice is to integrate when there is more than one person who will occupy a position of ownership, unless there is a tax reason to choose a partnership structure. For an owner-owned business, the main considerations are usually based on tax and liability, but name protection may also be at the top of the list for some. In a later article, we`ll also look at trademark registrations, which should also be considered if name protection is important to your business. BC`s registry and online services staff are available to advise you on how to complete submissions that meet the requirements set out in the legislation. Registry staff do not provide commercial or legal advice. If you require professional advice, please contact a lawyer or accountant.

All names accepted for registration in British Columbia must be different and distinct from other names registered in British Columbia, including not having the same sound. The Government of British Columbia also considers the nature of the business when considering a proposed business name application from British Columbia. In any event, all names registered through British Columbia`s name clarification system will eventually be included in the NUANS name search system. Resources for Canadian Business Owners has access to this system and will pre-delete your name anywhere in Canada as well as in the province of British Columbia. The reason we are going to do that is because it is important that the name be removed not only in British Columbia, but across Canada. Keep in mind that professional naming companies spend between six weeks and six months choosing a business name. You probably won`t have much time, but plan to spend at least a few weeks choosing a name. Most companies want to know how to protect their brand capital by preventing other companies from using a name that is the same or similar to the name under which they operate.

This is certainly one of the most frequently asked questions when I advise start-ups. The company name is not protected Please note that registering a company name does not protect that name and does not mean that the name is available if you decide to start a business with that name. Sole proprietorships and partnership names may not use any form of company designation, for example, Limited, Ltd., Inc., Corporation. Name applications may be refused for a variety of reasons. Learn how to name your business and make sure no one else uses the same name before submitting your application. During this time, you will need to gather information and fill out the forms to register or start your business under your approved name. A fee will be charged if you need to extend this booking period. Once the booking period has expired, anyone can accept the name and start their business with that name. Unlike constitutions in British Columbia, when a company name is submitted for a federal incorporation (Canada), the NWAN report, which is reviewed by Industry Canada, lists all similar company names that have been registered (including in British Columbia – if applicable), so it is possible that a company name registration in British Columbia could potentially prevent the use of a similar name for a federal constitution. For federal incorporations, other factors are also taken into account, such as the type of business and where a corporation operates when a choice of corporate name is subject to approval. As a general rule, the question usually arises as to whether a proposed name is likely to cause confusion with an existing name that is already registered. The British Columbia Register of Companies specifies that all three elements are used for a company name and that the distinctive and descriptive element is included for all proposed trade names.

They also do not accept names that are in any way close to any other name registered in British Columbia. Resources for Canadian business owners will be happy to help you ensure that the name you choose is more likely to be accepted. No matter what stage of the business or the problem you are facing, Small Business BC offers a range of seminars and one-on-one consultation sessions that are suitable for any business. Try not to use strange spellings unless it`s a strong part of your brand identity. It will be difficult for customers to find you online or in the phone book. Names that are easy to spell and pronounce make your business easier to find. Save time and money by researching your favorite name choices before applying. Search online for the names of existing companies and organizations or retain the services of a qualified service provider to do it for you. In British Columbia, businesses and organizations must have their names approved and reserved before they can proceed with the incorporation, registration, merger, restoration or change of name. A well-known example of this is Lululemon.

This Canadian company is registered as Lululemon Athletica Canada Inc. Publicly, however, they are only known as Lululemon or Lululemon Athletica. Order the preliminary name search (3 names for $15*) Order the name reservation for BC Business or Corporation ($59.95) Before naming your company, check the existing trademark and intellectual property records. Choosing a name that infringes on another company`s intellectual property can lead to legal action. Your three company names, listed in order of preference, are checked and compared to the existing names in the register. Selections of names that can be confused with an existing name, that are identical to an existing name, or that do not meet the basic criteria are rejected. Once BC Registry Services has processed your business name request, you will receive a name request number or NR number. Use this number within 56 days to register your business with British Columbia Registration Services (see below).

A British Columbia corporation at the time of incorporation registered its name in the commercial register maintained by the British Columbia Registrar of Companies. If a corporation`s name is listed, this may prevent other B.C. corporations from using a similar or identical name. Incorporation in British Columbia could also prevent the use of a similar or identical name for a federal constitution (Canada). Some businesses choose to incorporate to obtain this perceived name protection, which is not available by simply registering a company name. Registration in the British Columbia Business Register will also prevent non-Columbian corporations (other than federal corporations) from registering their company name to be registered abroad to do business in British Columbia. If you specify only a name choice and that name is not accepted, you will not be able to come back later and request a search for the two additional names. You`ll want to get paid again for those extra name versions. Within 56 days of receiving your name application number (NR number), you must register your business as follows: The first step in registering or starting a business is to approve the name of the business.

This process combines name search and approval. Approval of a name is at the discretion of the Registrar of Corporations. The last word in the name, only for companies, is the designation of the company. Registered company names must have one of the following company names as the last word in each name: Incorporated, Inc., Limited, Ltd., Corp. or Corporation. Put aside your shortlist of names for a day or two, and then come back to it with a new perspective. You may feel different about a name you used to like, or your work list can help you come up with a perfect new name when you review it. If you are considering a name, your first port of call should be the commercial register. The business register lists the names of all businesses registered for the province and can quickly and easily tell you if the name is already taken. The names of sole proprietorships, partnerships and database administrators are not displayed because they are not protected. However, remember that if you want to grow your business anywhere in Canada or even around the world, you need to inquire with every province and country, not just where you are. Note: Name approval is not required if you use the company number as your company name.

The company name is assigned by BC Registries and Online Services. The second word or combination of words for the name is called the descriptive element of a company name.