Register Trade Name in Canada

What is a Trade Name?

A trade name is any name under which you do business other than the current legal name on your corporate registration record.

(Note: The Alberta government calls sole proprietorships “trade names” regardless of whether the owner is an individual or a corporation.)

If you would like to use any name other than your corporate name you must register a trade name.

Important:
  • There is no limit on the number of trade names which may be registered by one corporation.
  • Trade names are not "protected" from use by other companies through trade name registration. To protect your name you need to register a trademark.
  • You must use your corporate name together with the trade name on all contracts and legal documents. (ABC Limited O/A Flowers for You) (The trade name need not appear on legal documents. This is optional. The contract is with the corporation.)
  • You may issue invoices and receipts from the trade name and after filing your registration paperwork with the bank, you will be able to cash cheques in that name.

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