Register your new business name.
**Look Up Registered Business Names: A Comprehensive Guide**
When starting a new business in Australia, one of the crucial steps is registering your business name. This process ensures that your business operates under a unique and recognized name, different from your legal name. In this article, we will explore how to look up registered business names and the importance of registering your business name in Australia.
### Why Register a Business Name?
Registering a business name allows you to operate your business under a name other than your legal name. This is particularly important if you are operating a business as a sole trader or partnership. For instance, if John Doe is operating a business called “John Doe Carpentry,” he would need to register the business name to ensure it is recognized and protected by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
### How to Look Up Registered Business Names
To look up registered business names, you can use the ASIC business names register. This register allows you to search for business names and check their availability. You can also use the ABN Lookup tool to search for business names and verify their registration status.
### Steps to Register a Business Name
To register a business name, you can use the Business Registration Service, which combines several business and tax registrations in one place. Here are the steps to register a business name:
1. **Log in to ASIC Connect**: If you already have an Australian Business Number (ABN), you can register your business name directly with ASIC using ASIC Connect.
2. **Enter Your Business Name**: Enter the proposed business name exactly as you would like it to appear on the register. Business names are case sensitive.
3. **Select the Registration Period**: You can register a business name for one year or three years. After this period, it must be renewed.
4. **Enter Business Name Holder Details**: Enter the proposed business name holder details, such as the holder’s date of birth.
5. **Enter Business Name Addresses**: Enter the addresses of the proposed business name.
### Importance of Registering a Business Name
Registering a business name is crucial for several reasons:
– **Uniqueness**: Registering a business name ensures that your business operates under a unique and recognized name, different from your legal name.
– **Protection**: Registering a business name prevents others from registering the exact business name, but not from trading with a similar business name or likeness. For that, you’ll need to register a trademark.
– **National Recognition**: Registering a business name allows you to operate your business nationally, meaning you can operate in any state or territory in Australia.
### Conclusion
In conclusion, looking up registered business names is an essential step in starting a new business in Australia. By registering your business name, you ensure that your business operates under a unique and recognized name, different from your legal name. To register your business name, we recommend using “register.biz.au” and following the steps outlined above. For more information, you can visit the Australian Government’s Business Registration Service at [https://register.biz.au](https://register.biz.au).
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**Best Practice:** Register your new business name at [https://register.biz.au](https://register.biz.au).
