This is not a substitute for legal advice.  An attorney must be consulted.

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A "trade name" is the name a business uses in commerce.  Unlike a trademark or service mark, a trade name does not have to be applied to any goods or services.  A trade name may be identical to a trademark or service mark used by a business, but there is no requirement that it bear any similarity.  A trade name may also differ from the legal name under which the business is incorporated.

Please see specific state for details and/or differences.

ALABAMA | ALASKA | ARIZONA | ARKANSAS | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | DELAWARE | FLORIDA 
 GEORGIA | HAWAII | IDAHO | ILLINOIS | INDIANA | IOWA | KANSAS | KENTUCKY | LOUISIANA | MAINE | MARYLAND 
 MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN | MINNESOTA | MISSISSIPPI | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEBRASKA | NEVADA 
 NEW HAMPSHIRE | NEW JERSEY | NEW MEXICO | NEW YORK | NORTH CAROLINA | NORTH DAKOTA | OHIO 
 OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | RHODE ISLAND | SOUTH CAROLINA | SOUTH DAKOTA | TENNESSEE 
 TEXAS | UTAH | VERMONT | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON | WEST VIRGINIA | WISCONSIN | WYOMING

ALABAMA
Alabama requires anyone conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file for trade name registration.  Ala. Code §§ 8-12-6 to 19 (1993 Repl. Vol.).  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Alabama, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the $30.00 filing fee with the completed form.  Unlike many states, Alabama does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid for ten years, provided the address and type of business do not change.

ALASKA
Alaska does not require the registration of trade names.  However, registration allows a registrant to prevent others from using an identical or deceptively similar name. A registrant may also sue anyone using such a name for damages.  Alaska Stat. 10.35.040 et. seq.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another's trademark.

To register an assumed name in Alaska, complete the trade name registration form provided with this program.  Submit the completed application and a $25.00 fee to the Department of Commerce and Economic Development.  Registration is valid for five years.

ARIZONA
Arizona requires any person, partnership, or corporation conducting business under any name other than its legal name to file for trade name registration.  A.R.S. §§ 44-1236 and 29-102 et seq.   Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Arizona , follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the $10.00 filing fee with the completed form.  Unlike many states, Arizona does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid for five years, provided the address and type of business do not change.

ARKANSAS
Arkansas requires any person or corporation that conducts business under any name other than its legal name to file for trade name registration.  A.C.A §§4-70-201 to 4-70-206 and §4-27-404.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another's trademark.

Corporations should obtain a trade name registration form from the Secretary of State.  Registration costs $25.00.  Arkansas also requires domestic corporations to file another form in the county containing the corporation’s registered office.

Individuals wishing to register a trade name should request an application form from the city clerk in each county in which they conduct business.  Trade name registration for individuals costs $25.00.

Arkansas requires that individuals renew their trade name registration whenever there is a change in ownership of the business.  A corporation must file a cancellation of its trade name if it dissolves or surrenders its rights to do business in Arkansas.

CALIFORNIA
California requires any individual, partnership, corporation, or other association conducting business under any name other than its legal name to file for trade name registration.  Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17900-17910.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in California, follow the instructions provided in the forms section of this program.  Registration costs $10.00.  California also requires the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17917.  Registration is valid for five years, provided the address and type of business do not change.

COLORADO
Colorado requires any corporation, limited partnership, or limited liability company that conducts business under any name other than its legal name to file the trade name registration form provided with this program.  Colo. Rev. Stat. §§24-35-301 and 7-71-101.  Colorado also requires individuals to file a separate form obtained from the Colorado Department of Revenue.  Colo. Rev. Stat. §25-25-304.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another's trademark.

Individuals must renew their registration annually.  The Department of Revenue will send out a notice of renewal shortly before the expiration date.  Corporations, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies do not need to renew their trade name registration.

CONNECTICUT
Connecticut requires anyone conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file the trade name registration form provided with this program.  Conn. Gen. Stat. 620, §35-1.  This registration requirement applies to corporations, to any individual whose business name does not contain their true full name, and to partnerships whose name does not include the name of at least one of the partners.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another's trademark.

To register an assumed name in Connecticut, submit a trade name registration form and a filing fee to the town clerk in every town where business is to be conducted or transacted.  Unlike many states, there is no requirement to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid indefinitely, but must be amended if the trade name, business address, or filing entity changes.

DELAWARE
Delaware requires any person, firm, or association conducting business under any name other than its legal name to file for trade name registration.  6 Del. C. § 3101.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Delaware, follow the instructions provided in the forms section of this program.  Registration costs $15.00.  Unlike many states, Delaware does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid indefinitely, provided the address and type of business do not change.

FLORIDA
Florida requires anyone, except certain licensed professionals, conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file for trade name registration.  Fla. Stat. ch. 865.09.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Florida, follow the instructions provided in the forms section of this program.  Registration costs $50.00.  Florida also requires the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Fla. Stat. ch. 865.09.  Registration is valid for five years, provided the address and type of business do not change.

GEORGIA
Georgia requires every person, firm, partnership, and corporation conducting business under any name other than its legal name to file for trade name registration.  O.C.G.A. § 10-1-490 and Constitution Publishing v. Lyon, 183 S.E. 653 (Ga. Ct. App. 1936).  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Georgia, follow the instructions provided in the forms section of this program.  Registration costs $8.00 or $12.00.  Georgia also requires the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  O.C.G.A. § 10-1-490(a).  Registration is valid indefinitely, provided the address and type of business do not change.

HAWAII
Hawaii does not require trade name registration.  Ownership of a trade name is acquired by continuous use of the name in commerce.  However, registration provides statewide constructive notice of the registrant’s claim to the trade name.  HRS § 482-3.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Hawaii, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the $25.00 filing fee with the completed form.  Unlike many states, Hawaii does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  The initial registration is valid for one year and may be renewed for additional ten-year periods.  HRS § 482-3.

IDAHO
Idaho requires an individual, association, and partnership conducting business under any name other than its legal name to file for trade name registration.  I.C. § 53-504.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Idaho, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the $3/page filing fee with the completed form.  Unlike many states, Idaho does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid indefinitely, provided the address and type of business do not change.  

ILLINOIS
Illinois requires an individual or a corporation conducting business under any name other than its legal name to file for trade name registration.  805 ILCS §§ 405/1 and 5/4.15.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Illinois, follow the instructions provided in the forms section of this program.  Registration costs $5.00 for individuals or $25.00 for corporations.  Illinois also requires the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  805 ILCS § 405/1.  Registration is valid indefinitely, provided the address and type of business do not change.

INDIANA
Indiana requires every person, firm, partnership, or corporation conducting business under any name other than its legal name to file for trade name registration.   Ind. Code §§ 23-15-1-1,2.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Indiana, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the filing fee with the completed form.  Unlike many states, Indiana does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid indefinitely, provided the address and type of business do not change.

IOWA
Iowa requires an individual, partnership and limited partnership conducting business under any name other than its legal name to file for trade name registration.  Iowa Code ch. 547.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Iowa, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the $5.00 filing fee with the completed form.  Unlike many states, Iowa does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid indefinitely, provided the address and type of business do not change.

KANSAS
Kansas does not register trade names.  Furthermore, corporations may not obtain the benefits of registration by merely adding a trade name to their articles of incorporation.  See American Fence Co. v. Gestes, 375 P.2d 775 (Kan. 1962).

KENTUCKY
Kentucky requires any entity conducting business under any name other than its legal name to file for trade name registration.  K.R.S. 365.015.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Kentucky, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the $20.00 filing fee with the completed form.  Unlike many states, Kentucky does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid indefinitely, provided the address and type of business do not change.

LOUISIANA
Louisiana requires individuals and partnerships conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file for trade name registration.  La.R.S. 51:281-284.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Louisiana, follow the instructions provided in the forms section of this program.  Registration costs $0.25.  Unlike many states, Louisiana does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid indefinitely, provided the address and type of business do not change.

MAINE
Maine requires proprietorships, partnerships, limited partnerships, and corporations conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file for trade name registration.  31 M.R.S.A. §§ 1,2, and 405, 13-A M.R.S.A. § 307.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Maine, follow the instructions provided in the forms section of this program.  Registration costs either $5.00 or $105.00.  Unlike many states, Maine does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid indefinitely, provided the address and type of business do not change.

MARYLAND
Maryland requires anyone conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file for trade name registration.  Md. Corps. & Ass'ns Code Ann. § 1-406.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Maryland, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the filing fee of $10.00 plus $1.00 per signature with the completed form.  Unlike many states, Maryland does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid for five years, provided the address and type of business do not change.

MASSACHUSETTS
Massachusetts requires any person or corporation conducting business under any name other than its legal name to file for trade name registration.  Mass. Ann. Laws ch 110, §§ 5-6 and Batchelder & Co. v. Batchelder, 107 N.E. 455 (Mass. 1914).  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Massachusetts, follow the instructions provided in the forms section of this program.  Registration costs $1.00/town where registration is required.  Unlike many states, Massachusetts does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid for four years, provided the address and type of business do not change.

MICHIGAN
Michigan requires every person, fiduciary, professional service corporation, trust, partnership, corporation, limited partnership, or other entity capable of conducting business under any name other than its legal name to file for trade name registration.  Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. §§ 445.1, 450.1217 and 449.1104.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Michigan, follow the instructions provided in the forms section of this program.  Registration costs $6.00.  Unlike many states, Michigan does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid for five years, provided the address and type of business do not change.

MINNESOTA
Minnesota requires any corporation, limited partnership, or limited liability company that conducts business under any name other than its legal name to file a Certificate of Assumed Name form.  This registration requirement also applies to any individual whose business name does not contain their true full name and to any partnership whose name does not include the full name of each partner.  Minn. Stat. § 333.01-02 (1995).  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another's trademark.

To register an assumed name in Minnesota, complete the certificate form attached as part of this program.  Submit the completed application and a $25.00 filing fee to the Secretary of State's office.  After filing, the registrant must publish the Certificate of Assumed Name for two consecutive issues in the legal notices section of a qualified legal newspaper in the county where the principal place of business is located.  Minn. Stat. § 333.01 (1995).  Registration is valid for ten years and must be updated within sixty days of any change in the owner's address or in the business's name, address or ownership.  

MISSISSIPPI
Unlike most states, Mississippi does not have any statutory provisions controlling the use of trade names.

MISSOURI
Missouri requires every person, general partnership, corporation or other business organization conducting business under any name other than its legal name to file for trade name registration.  R.S. Mo. § 417.210.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Missouri, follow the instructions provided in the forms section of this program.  Registration costs $2.00.  Unlike many states, Missouri does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid indefinitely, provided the address and type of business do not change.

MONTANA
Montana requires individuals, corporations, partnerships, and other associations conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file for trade name registration.  Mont. Code. Ann. § 30-13-203.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Montana, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the $15.00 filing fee with the completed form.  Unlike many states, Montana does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid for five years, provided the address and type of business do not change.

NEBRASKA
Nebraska requires individuals, corporations, partnerships, and other business organizations conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file for trade name registration.  R.R.S. §§ 87-210, 87-220, and 87-2088.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Nebraska, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the $100.00 filing fee with the completed form.  Nebraska also requires the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  R.R.S. § 87-219.  Registration is valid for ten years, provided the address and type of business do not change.

NEVADA
Nevada requires every person, corporation, firm, and general partnership conducting business under any name other than its legal name to file for trade name registration.  N.R.S. 602.010.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Nevada, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the $15.00 filing fee with the completed form.  Unlike many states, Nevada does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid indefinitely, provided the address and type of business do not change.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
New Hampshire requires most individuals, partnerships and associations conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file for trade name registration.  RSA 349:1,5.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in New Hampshire, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the $50 filing fee with the completed form.  Unlike many states, New Hampshire does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid for five years, provided the address and type of business do not change.

NEW JERSEY
New Jersey requires individuals and corporations conducting business under any name other than its legal name to file for trade name registration.  N.J. Stat. Ann. §§ 56:1-1, -2 and 14A:1-1 et seq..  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in New Jersey, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form which can be obtained from the clerk of the county in which the business is operating.  Include the filing fee with the completed form.  Unlike many states, New Jersey does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid for five years, provided the address and type of business do not change.

NEW MEXICO
Unlike most states, New Mexico does not have any statutory provisions controlling the use of trade names.

NEW YORK
New York requires individuals, general partnerships, limited partnerships, corporations, and unincorporated associations conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file for trade name registration.  Business Corporation Law §§ 130.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in New York, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the filing fee with the completed form.  Unlike many states, New York does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid indefinitely, provided the address and type of business do not change.

NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina requires individuals, partnerships, limited partnerships, and corporations conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file for trade name registration.  N.C.G.S. §§ 66-68.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in North Carolina, follow the instructions provided in the forms section of this program.  Registration costs $6.00/county where registration is required.  Unlike many states, North Carolina does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid indefinitely provided the address and type of business do not change.

NORTH DAKOTA
North Dakota requires individuals, partnerships, and limited liability companies conducting business under any name other than its legal name to file for trade name registration.  N.D.C.C. § 45-11-01.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in North Dakota, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the $25.00 filing fee with the completed form.  Unlike many states, North Dakota does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid for five years, provided the address and type of business do not change.  

OHIO
Ohio requires individuals, partnerships, corporations, and other entities conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file for trade name registration.  ORC § 1329.01.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Ohio, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the $10 or $20 filing fee with the completed form.  Unlike many states, Ohio does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid for five years, provided the address and type of business do not change.

OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma requires corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file for trade name registration.  18 Okl. St. Ann. §§ 1140 and 2005(A)(1), 54 Okl. St. Ann. § 81-82.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Oklahoma, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the $25.00 filing fee with the completed form.  Oklahoma also requires the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  54 Okl. St. Ann. § 81.  Registration is valid indefinitely, provided the address and type of business do not change.

OREGON
Oregon requires individuals, most partnerships and corporations conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file for trade name registration.  ORS §§ 648.005-648.010.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Oregon, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the $10.00 + $2.00/County filing fee with the completed form.  Unlike many states, Oregon does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid for two years, provided the address and type of business do not change.

PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania requires individuals, partnerships, corporations and other entities conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file for trade name registration.  54 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 302.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Pennsylvania, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the $52.00 filing fee with the completed form.  Pennsylvania also requires the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  54 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 311.  Registration is valid for ten years, provided the address and type of business do not change.

RHODE ISLAND
Rhode Island requires corporations, partnerships and individuals conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file for trade name registration.    R.I. Gen. Laws § 7-1.1-7.1.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Rhode Island, follow the instructions provided in the forms section of this program.  Registration costs either $10.00 or $50.00.  Unlike many states, Rhode Island does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid indefinitely, provided the address and type of business do not change.

SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina requires corporations conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file for trade name registration.  S.C. Code Ann. §§ 33-4-101 and 33-15-106.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in South Carolina, follow the instructions provided in the forms section of this program.  Registration costs $10.00.  Unlike many states, South Carolina does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid for five years, provided the address and type of business do not change.

SOUTH DAKOTA
South Dakota requires individuals, partnerships, and probably corporations conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file for trade name registration.  SDCL 37-11-1.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in South Dakota, follow the instructions provided in the forms section of this program.  Registration costs $5.00.  Unlike many states, South Dakota does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid for five years, provided the address and type of business do not change.

TENNESSEE
Tennessee requires a corporation conducting business under any name other than  its legal name to file for trade name registration.  Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 48-14-101 and 48-54-101.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Tennessee, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the $10.00 filing fee with the completed form.  Unlike many states, Tennessee does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid for five years, provided the address and type of business do not change.

TEXAS
Texas requires individuals, corporations, unincorporated businesses or professions, partnerships, and other business entities conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file for trade name registration.  Tex. Bus. Com. Code § 36.02.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Texas, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the $25.00 filing fee with the completed form.  Unlike many states, Texas does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid for not more than ten years, provided the address and type of business do not change.

UTAH
Utah requires individuals, associations, partnerships and corporations conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file for trade name registration.  Utah Code Ann. § 42-2-5.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Utah, follow the instructions provided in the forms section of this program.  Registration costs $15.00.  Unlike many states, Utah does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid for three years, provided the address and type of business do not change.

VERMONT
Vermont requires individuals, partnerships, associations and corporations conducting business under any name other than its legal name to file for trade name registration.  11 V.S.A. §§ 1621, 1623.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Vermont, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the filing fee with the completed form.  Vermont also requires the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid for ten years, provided the address and type of business do not change.

VIRGINIA
Virginia requires persons, partnerships, limited liability companies or corporations conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file for trade name registration.  Va. Code Ann. § 59.1-69.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Virginia, follow the instructions provided in the forms section of this program.  Registration costs either $10.00 or $20.00.  Unlike many states, Virginia does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid indefinitely, provided the address and type of business do not change.

WASHINGTON
Washington requires anyone conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file for trade name registration.  R.C.W. § 19.80.010.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Washington, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the $5.00 filing fee with the completed form.  Unlike many states, Washington does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid indefinitely, provided the address and type of business do not change.

WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia requires individuals, proprietorships, or general partnerships conducting business under any name other than their legal name to file for trade name registration.  W. Va. Code §§ 47-8-2.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in West Virginia, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the $2.00 filing fee with the completed form.  Unlike many states, West Virginia does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid indefinitely, provided the address and type of business do not change.

WISCONSIN
Wisconsin requires any entity, except corporations, conducting business under any name other than its legal name to file for trade name registration.  Wis. Stat. § 134.17 and 22 O.G. 360 (1993).  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Wisconsin, follow the instructions provided in the forms section of this program.  Registration costs $10.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.  Unlike many states, Wisconsin does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid indefinitely, provided the address and type of business do not change.

WYOMING
Wyoming only requires banks to register their trade names.  Registration is optional for other business entities.  W.S. §40-2-102.  Registration does not provide trademark protection or give the registrant the right to infringe upon another’s trademark.

To register an assumed name in Wyoming, follow the instructions to complete and file the trade name registration form attached as part of this program.  Include the $10.00 filing fee with the completed form.  Unlike many states, Wyoming does not require the registrant to publish the trade name after filing.  Registration is valid for ten years, provided the address and type of business do not change.