Everything You Need to Know About Registering a Trade Name in Alberta September 25th, 2024 • 3 min read Starting a business in Alberta is an exciting venture! One of the first steps you might consider is registering a trade name. But what exactly does that involve? This blog post will guide you through the process of trade name registration in Alberta. What is a Trade Name? A trade name, also known as a business name, is simply the name under which your business operates. It’s how your customers recognize you. In Alberta, if you’re doing business under a name that isn’t your legal name, you need to register it. Why Register a Trade Name in Alberta? Registering your trade name offers several benefits: Credibility: It shows your customers and partners that you’re a legitimate business. Protection: While it doesn’t grant exclusive rights to the name, it provides proof that you were using the name at a specific time, which can be helpful in disputes. Banking: You’ll often need a registered trade name to open a business bank account. How to Register a Trade Name in Alberta The registration process is straightforward and can be done online: Name Search: Before registering, conduct a name search on the Corporate Registry to ensure your desired name is available and not too similar to existing names. Registration: You can register your trade name with the help of Registrations Are Us. You’ll need to provide basic information about your business and pay the registration fee. Renewal: Remember that trade name registrations in Alberta must be renewed every year. Sole Proprietorship and Trade Names Many small businesses in Alberta operate as sole proprietorships. This means the business is owned and run by one person, and there’s no legal distinction between the owner and the business. If you’re a sole proprietor using a trade name, registration is necessary. Let Registrations Are Us Help Register Your Trade Name in Alberta At Registrations Are Us, we can help with trade name registration in Alberta. We’ll guide you through the process, ensure your application is complete and accurate, and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to get started!
