Does your LLC name have to match your website?

The main difference between business names and domain names is that a business name is used for identification, branding and legal purposes whereas a domain name is primarily a digital address for your website. As such, your business name and domain do not necessarily need to match.

Should my LLC be the same name as my business?

Most states require an LLC designation be included in the name of a company that’s registered as an LLC. The designations vary from state to state, but generally include phrases or abbreviations such as “Limited Liability Company”, “Limited Liability Co.”, “LLC” and “Limited”.

Can an LLC do business as another name?

A limited liability company can register a DBA, or “doing business as” name and still do business using the official LLC name. A DBA operates much like a personal nickname—you may use your nickname for some purposes and your full legal name for others.

Is my business name the same as my domain name?

YourBusinessName.com is taken, and the owner of the domain has built it into a website. If you’ve trademarked your business name, have been in business for a while and there’s a good chance people could confuse your business with the other one, you may have a legal case for getting control of the domain name.

Does an LLC protect your business name?

When you incorporate, form an LLC, or file a DBA (Doing Business As), this process registers your business name with that state’s secretary of state. It prevents anyone else from using the name within the state, but it doesn’t offer any kind of protection in the other 49 states.

Can two LLC have the same name?

Can Two LLCs or Companies Have the Same Name? Yes, with some exceptions. When you’re forming a corporation or an LLC in a state, the name must be unique to your business within that state. Others can form LLCs and businesses in other states that have the same name as yours.

Do I have to trademark my name and logo separately?

A small business needs to protect its intellectual property, which includes its business name and logo. Generally speaking, you should apply for trademark registrations for your business name, logo, slogan and designs separately.