how to register a trading name

[moorfield]

I would like start using a "trading name" rather than a ltdco name on my invoices, stationary, dealings with pimps / contacts etc.

Is there any guideline on how to go about doing this? - I did search on old threads but nothing useful. Do I need to register it with Hector etc?

[Ardesco]

http://www.nationalbusinessregister....ames/index.php

Those are the people I use.

HTH

[moorfield]

http://www.nationalbusinessregister....ames/index.php

Those are the people I use.

HTH

Great - thanks.

[Ardesco]

As for invoices I just use the trading name and have a disclaimer at the bottom that says:

<trading name> is a registered trading name of <company name>

And then put in company registration number, VAT number, etc.

[NoddY]

As for invoices I just use the trading name and have a disclaimer at the bottom that says:

<trading name> is a registered trading name of <company name>

And then put in company registration number, VAT number, etc.

I believe that is the only requirement in the UK.

[where did my id go?]

http://www.nationalbusinessregister....ames/index.php

Those are the people I use.

HTH

Why?

There is no requirement to 'register' your trading name. I'd tell hmrc, but as long as you have the 'abc is a trading name of xyz plc' thats fine.

Sure check for trademarks/other uses of the name, but why 'register' with them?

[SueEllen]

Why?

There is no requirement to 'register' your trading name. I'd tell hmrc, but as long as you have the 'abc is a trading name of xyz plc' thats fine.

Sure check for trademarks/other uses of the name, but why 'register' with them?

Protection

If a larger entity starts using your trading name after you, and takes you to court for passing off then you have proof that you used the trading name before them. You can apparently just get a solicitor to recognise your trading name to have this protection which is probably cheaper as they won't ask you to "renew" it every year.

[where did my id go?]

But you have the fact that you notified hmrc and all your invoices include it - that all makes proof.

plus you presumably - this is the IT industry after all - have the domain name?

[SueEllen]

But you have the fact that you notified hmrc and all your invoices include it - that all makes proof.

plus you presumably - this is the IT industry after all - have the domain name?

I wouldn't rely on HMRC helping you out if you had a dispute over your trading name especially when they have a habit of "misplacing" documents.

Simply invoicing customers doesn't raise brand awareness and this is what you need to have a recognised trade name . So you need to do a combination of things i.e. have stationary, a functioning website, be in a telephone directory under the trading name. Once customers recognise your business under the trading name and it has a reputation, then you have something to protect.

Also notifying the solicitor is just a formality as it is basically a dated letter briefly discussing your business and it's names.

The date of this letter would probably be before your first invoice, and it would help in a dispute anyway as most people are reluctant to get involved in legal disputes particularly if it was a large company taking you on.

[Ardesco]

The reason I pay for the registration annually is that if another big company does try to use my trading name I have insurance that will pay for the solicitors to fight the case for me.

Even if you are in the right you may lose if you can't afford the costly and lengthy legal battle that the other side can. At £70~ a year it isn't exactly a huge amount of money either.