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There are four ways to officially register your business name, each serving a different purpose.

Entity Name

Registering your entity name with your state ensures that others don’t operate under the same business name. This can usually be done quickly and inexpensively online. Most states don’t allow you to register a name that’s already been claimed by someone else. Check with your state for rules about how to register your business name.

Trademark

Registering a trademark prevents others in the same or a similar industry from using your entity name or logo. Trademark is a federal distinction, and businesses in every state are subject to trademark infringement lawsuits. Before you settle on your business name, check it against the official trademark database, maintained by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, to make sure it’s not already in use.

DBA

A DBA (“doing business as”) name lets you conduct business under a name different from your own personal name or your formal business entity name. For example, if you register a farm name but later rebrand your business under a new name, you can file a DBA to tie your original LLC to the new name. Most states require you to register your DBA if you use one, and requirements can vary by business structure, as well as by state, county, and municipality.

Domain Name

Once you settle on a business name, you’ll want to secure a website address, also called a domain name, for future marketing and advertising. You can register your domain name through a registrar service, such as GoDaddy, and renew it annually. Once you’ve registered your domain name, no one else can use it for as long as you continue to own it. It might be a good idea to reserve social media accounts under your business name, too.