business name

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A trade name, trading name, or business name is a pseudonym used by companies that do not operate under their registered company name. The term for this type of alternative name is a "fictitious" business name. Registering the fictitious name with a relevant government body is often required.
In a number of countries, the phrase "trading as" (abbreviated to t/a) is used to designate a trade name. In the United States, the phrase "doing business as" (abbreviated to DBA, dba, d.b.a. or d/b/a) is used, among others, such as assumed business name or fictitious business name. In Canada, "operating as" (abbreviated to o/a) and "trading as" are used, although "doing business as" is also sometimes used.A company usually uses a trade name to conduct business using a simpler name rather than using their formal and often lengthier name. Trade names are also used when a preferred name cannot be registered, often because it may already be registered or is too similar to a name that is already registered.

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    VIC Using the Same Trademark for a Different Type of Product?

    Hi there, I require opinions on the implications of registering a business name that is the same as an existing trademarked business name. I decided on the brand name BeFresh for a oral hygiene line (mouth wash etc.). I recently found the name BeFresh has been a trademark of a line of female...
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    SA Does a Trademark Protect Individual Words?

    Hello, Friends have registered a business name as 'Blank Charcoal Chickens' . They were written to by an interstate business, who threatened legal action over the word 'blank'. On checking, I see that the interstate business have trademarked 'Blankety Blank' along with a logo. My friends have...
  3. B

    NSW Issues with Shareholders Agreement - Where Do I Stand?

    Hi there, I came up with a new invention last year and got an investor on board to make it happen. The original deal I offered was $100,000 for 20% he raised it to 30% and I agreed. Before making up the shareholders agreement he emailed me and said, "When reviewing the financials (sales...
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    NSW Cease and Desist Letter for Domain Name?

    Hi there, To cut to the chase, we are in the following situation and require help: 1) We create a domain X that gained lots of popularity and media traction in NSW 2) A company based in Victoria (never traded in NSW) then registered our domain as their business name and sent us a cease and...
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    VIC Sent a Breach of Employment Contract by Previous Employer?

    I have been recently been sent a 'breach of employment contract' letter from by my previous employer stating that I have breached specific terms/covenants of my employment contract. I am a physiotherapist and was working in private practice last year full time. My employment changed from a full...
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    NSW Restraint of Trade on Employment Contract - Enforceable?

    My wife is a massage therapist and she recently started a new job that asked a ridiculous employment contract stating if she left she could not work at another massage business within 10klms for one year after ceasing employment. She is hardly going to reveal any trade secrets by working...
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    VIC Registering a Similar Business Name?

    Hey guys, cheers for giving this a quick read! I'm looking to start an online clothing store and was keen on using a particular business name, however it's already been taken. Is there anyway I can obtain the use of that name? I read somewhere that if other businesses with a same/similar name...
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    NSW Two Businesses with Same Name - What to Do?

    I have just been contacted via Facebook by a man in California, US (I am in NSW Australia) somewhat accusing me of 'borrowed interest' regarding our business names. We do have the same name, however, borrowed interest did not factor into it at all. My business is a photography business (I am...
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    WA Breach of Contract - Who is Liable?

    Hi All, I am trying to work out who to take to Magistrates court for breach of contract and refund of money paid. I have taken my case to the WA Department of Consumer Protection who were unable to conciliate due to parties not being willing. I signed a contract for service and made full...
  10. B

    NSW Take Seller to Office of Fair Trading for False Advertising?

    My daughter has been riding her cousin's pony but has out grown it. We do not have a lot of money but she's been in love with horses before she was walking. Then she got the option to ride and we knew one day we have to get her her own horse. So with our saving on a tight budget, we got her a...