{"id":15610,"date":"2026-04-17T07:24:06","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T07:24:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/?p=15610"},"modified":"2026-04-22T07:24:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T07:24:45","slug":"how-to-register-company-name","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-register-company-name\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Register a Company Name in Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you launch your business, you\u2019ll have to go through one of the most fun and infuriating challenges: giving your business an official name. While there\u2019s no exact science to coming up with a great company name, keep in mind that it does more than just appear on invoices and signage. It protects business identity, establishes legal recognition, and builds trust with customers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019ve come up with something you love, registering your company name is a crucial step toward compliance. Without it, you can\u2019t open a business bank account, apply for permits, or access tax accounts. Your business name and business number (BN) also work hand in hand: the name defines your brand, while the BN connects you to government services like GST\/HST, payroll, and import\/export.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This guide will walk you through the process of registering your company name in Canada, including selecting a distinct name, conducting a NUANS search, determining whether to register at the federal or provincial level, and submitting your application.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registering your company name is essential for compliance, credibility, and building a trusted brand.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NUANS searches are required only for incorporations, not for sole proprietorships or partnerships.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Federal registration provides legal nationwide protection, while provincial registration is simpler for local businesses.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 1. Choose a Unique and Distinct Name<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your business name must be unique to prevent name conflicts with other businesses. When brainstorming, consider names that are creative yet professional. Ask yourself:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does it reflect what my business offers?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Could it grow with me as I expand?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is it easy to spell and remember?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pick a name people won\u2019t forget. It\u2019ll help you stand out now and make it easier to protect your brand with a <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/ised-isde.canada.ca\/site\/canadian-intellectual-property-office\/en\/trademarks\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">trademark<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> later.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 2. Conduct a Name Search or NUANS Report<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019ve shortlisted names, you\u2019ll need to verify if they\u2019re available. This involves checking name availability through databases like:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.nuans.com\/site\/nuans-corporate-name-trademark-reports\/en\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nuans\u00ae (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) system<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is required for federal incorporations and provinces such as Ontario, Alberta, New Brunswick, and PEI.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provincial registries like the <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.appmybizaccount.gov.on.ca\/onbis\/master\/viewInstance\/view.pub?id=3abd3bce3cc0ad2a4bf1b42e8f57be9f04e469b02e8b41f2&amp;_timestamp=1505812238013368\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ontario Business Registry<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.names.bcregistry.gov.bc.ca\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BC\u2019s name request service<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trademark searches through the <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/ised-isde.canada.ca\/cipo\/trademark-search\/srch\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canadian Intellectual Property Office<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (CIPO).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Domain name registries (for securing your .ca or .com).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><i>Important<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A NUANS report lists existing corporate names and trademarks similar to your proposed name. It highlights exact matches (which will block approval) and near-matches that might cause confusion. This report is valid for 90 days only and must meet legal guidelines before submission.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your name is rejected, you can modify it by adding distinctive descriptors (e.g., location or service) and order a new NUANS report.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 3. Decide on Federal or Provincial Registration<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where and how you register determines the scope of your name\u2019s protection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/services\/business\/start\/register-with-gov\/register-corp\/register-corp-fed.html\&quot;"><b>Federal Registration<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Handled by Corporations Canada, it provides nationwide protection and is linked to the corporate registry at the national level. This option is best if you plan to operate in multiple provinces. However, it requires annual filings and extra-provincial registrations where you do business.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/services\/business\/start\/register-with-gov\/register-corp\/register-corp-prov.html\&quot;"><b>Provincial Registration<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Limits protection to one province, but it is usually faster and more cost-effective. For example, if your business operates only in Ontario, registering through the Ontario Business Registry is sufficient.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding the <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/pros-cons-business-incorporation-canada\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pros and cons of incorporating a business in Canada<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will also help guide your decision. Federal incorporation offers stronger protection but comes with more compliance, while provincial registration suits businesses with local operations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 4. Submit Name Registration Application<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After choosing your jurisdiction, you\u2019re ready to file your application. This step requires submission to the provincial authority or Corporations Canada if registering federally. View the complete list of provincial registries <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/services\/business\/start\/choosing-a-business-name-3.html#:~:text=To%20register%20your%20trade,Yukon%3A%20Reserve%20a%20Name\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll typically need to provide:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proposed company name (and NUANS report if required)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Business address<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Owner identification details<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Articles of Incorporation (for corporations)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Declaration of Trade Name or Partnership (for sole proprietorships\/partnerships)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Double-check your details before submitting. Errors can cause delays, and fixing them often means extra time and fees.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After your name is approved and registered, you may also need a business number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). If you\u2019re unsure, check our guide on <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-get-business-number-canada\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to get a business number in Canada<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> so you\u2019re set up for compliance from the start.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 5. Pay the Required Fees<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registration fees vary depending on your jurisdiction and structure. Check the fee details for each provincial registry <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/services\/business\/start\/choosing-a-business-name-3.html#:~:text=Alberta%3A%20Register%20a,Reserve%20a%20Name\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.cpalogic.ca\/cost-incorporate-canada\/#:~:text=When%20incorporating%20federally%20through%20Corporations%20Canada%2C%20the%20standard%20fee%20for%20filing%20Articles%20of%20Incorporation%20online%20is%20%24200%2C%20while%20the%20fee%20for%20filing%20via%20email%2C%20fax%2C%20or%20mail%20is%20%24250.\&quot;"><b>Federal<\/b><\/a><b>: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$200 (online) or $250 (paper), plus <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/canada-nuans.ca\/product\/instant-nuans\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NUANS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ($13.80\u2013$45)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/page\/business\/start\/register-your-business-online\&quot;"><b>Ontario:<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> $60 for a business name; up to <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/page\/business\/start\/register-your-business-online#:~:text=Business%20Corporation%20%2D%20%24300\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$300<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for incorporation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.corporateonline.gov.bc.ca\/WebHelp\/fee_schedule.htm\&quot;"><b>British Columbia:<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> $30 for a name request, $100\u2013$350 for incorporation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/albertabusinessregistration.ca\/alberta-business-registry\/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21879879076&amp;gbraid=0AAAAA9s-35_EKeg5JX0AWCrnsJdHjVDqF&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwtrXFBhBiEiwAEKen16BevYjvngA7obWinSt2W8fVTkttxhO0Cdp0UOdWJoWJfU1BQzkNuxoC5w4QAvD_BwE\&quot;"><b>Alberta:<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Starts at $160, including name approval<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/cdn-contenu.quebec.ca\/cdn-contenu\/adm\/min\/emploi-solidarite-sociale\/registraire_entreprises\/RE-101-T_REQ_Fees_Terms_Payment.pdf\&quot;"><b>Quebec:<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> $26\u2013$39 for name reservation, $40\u2013$389 for registration<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most provinces fall within the $30\u2013$500 range. Fees are non-refundable, so ensure your documents are accurate before paying. Keep your receipt for records, as it will be essential for future business operations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registering a Name for Different Business Structures<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re a sole proprietor, part of a partnership, or incorporating, the process of registering a name also depends on your business structure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sole Proprietorship and Partnership Name Registration<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For sole proprietorships and partnerships, name registration is generally simpler. If you operate under your exact legal name (e.g., \u201cJohn Smith\u201d), <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/services\/business\/start\/choosing-a-business-name-3.html#:~:text=If%20you%20are,register%20a%20trademark.\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">no registration is required<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. But if you use a different business name (e.g., \u201cJohn Smith Consulting\u201d), you need to register that trade name with the government through your provincial registry.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike corporations, sole proprietorships and partnerships do not require a NUANS report, since NUANS searches are only <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/ised-isde.canada.ca\/site\/corporations-canada\/en\/cooperatives\/creating-cooperative#:~:text=A%20Nuans%20name%20search%20report%C2%A0%20for%20the%20proposed%20name%20that%20is%20not%20more%20than%2090%20days%20old.%20If%20your%20name%20has%20been%20pre%2Dapproved%20by%20Corporations%20Canada%2C%20attach%20a%20copy%20of%20the%20Corporations%20Canada%20letter%20approving%20your%20name%20along%20with%20the%20copy%20of%20the%20Nuans%20name%20search%20report.\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">required for incorporations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Instead, you simply file your trade name registration with the appropriate registry.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corporation Name Registration<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corporations face <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/ised-isde.canada.ca\/site\/corporations-canada\/en\/naming-corporation\/naming-corporation-requirements#toc-07:~:text=Related%20links-,Requirements,Cooperative%2C%20Co%2Doperative%2C%20United%2C%20Pool%2C%20Coop%2C%20Co%2Dop%2C%20or%20Coop%C3%A9rative.,-Distinctiveness\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stricter naming rules<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> than sole proprietorships or partnerships. A corporate name must include three elements:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Distinctive<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (something unique to your business)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Descriptive<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (what the business does)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Legal ending<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (e.g., Ltd., Inc., Corp.)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you choose a named corporation, you\u2019ll need to complete a NUANS search, and a report must be submitted along with the <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/ised-isde.canada.ca\/site\/corporations-canada\/en\/cooperatives\/creating-cooperative#:~:text=a%20Co%2Doperative%3F-,Documents%20that%20must%20be%20filed%20to%20incorporate%20a%20cooperative,mail%20(see%20How%20to%20file%20and%20pay%20for%20an%20application).,-Language%20of%20the\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Articles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This step ensures the name is distinct and avoids conflicts with existing corporations or trademarks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternatively, you can register a <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/ised-isde.canada.ca\/site\/corporations-canada\/en\/naming-corporation#:~:text=Only%20business%20and%20not%2Dfor%2Dprofit%20corporations%20can%20have%20numbered%20names%20(assigned%20by%20Corporations%20Canada).%20You%20can%20use%20a%20different%20name%20to%20operate%20your%20business%20(for%20example%2C%20the%20name%20you%20use%20on%20your%20store%20front%2C%20website%20or%20business%20cards).\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">numbered corporation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (e.g., \u201c1234567 Canada Inc.\u201d). Numbered corporations don\u2019t require a NUANS search because the number itself provides uniqueness.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Operating Under a Trade Name (Doing Business As)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A trade name, also known as \u201cDoing Business As\u201d (DBA), is an operating name that\u2019s different from your legal business name. For example, a corporation registered as \u201c1234567 Canada Inc.\u201d may also operate as \u201cBright Path Consulting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if you\u2019ve already incorporated, you must <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/services\/business\/start\/choosing-a-business-name-3.html#:~:text=Registering%20a%20trade,to%20do%20business.\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">register a trade name<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with the provincial or territorial registry if you plan to use it publicly on signage, contracts, or marketing materials. This also doesn\u2019t require a NUANS report, since the registration is tied to your existing legal entity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the Different Types of Business Names?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Canada, businesses can operate under different types of names, each serving a different role in compliance and branding. Here\u2019s how they compare.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div style=\"max-width: 100%; overflow-x: auto; margin: 20px 0;\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: -apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,'Helvetica Neue',Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; color: #1a2035; line-height: 1.5; border: 1px solid #e5e7eb;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #6035c8;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 14px 18px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff; border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; font-size: 15px;\">Type of Business Name<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 14px 18px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff; border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; font-size: 15px;\">Description<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 14px 18px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff; border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; font-size: 15px;\">Key Uses \/ Requirements<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #fdf8e8;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 14px 18px; border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;\">Legal Name<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 14px 18px; border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; vertical-align: top;\">The official registered name of the business (e.g., \u201cABC Inc.\u201d)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 14px 18px; border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; vertical-align: top;\">Used in contracts, invoices, legal filings; must be unique and include a legal suffix<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f7f0d4;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 14px 18px; border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;\">Trade Name<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 14px 18px; border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; vertical-align: top;\">A DBA or operating name different from the legal name (e.g., \u201cQuick Fix Plumbing\u201d)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 14px 18px; border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; vertical-align: top;\">Used in marketing, signage; must be registered provincially if public-facing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #fdf8e8;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 14px 18px; border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;\">Trademark<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 14px 18px; border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; vertical-align: top;\">A protected word, design, or logo registered with <a style=\"color: #6035c8; text-decoration: underline; font-weight: 600;\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/ised-isde.canada.ca\/site\/canadian-intellectual-property-office\/en\&quot;">CIPO<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 14px 18px; border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; vertical-align: top;\">Provides legal protection against imitation; renewable every 10 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Name Availability and Restrictions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From basic naming standards to restricted words and trademark checks, here\u2019s what to keep in mind before you <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/register-business-name\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">register your business name<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Rules for Acceptable Business Names<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Must be distinctive and descriptive.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Must not mislead, use profanity, or imply false affiliations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Example: \u201cToronto Tech Solutions Ltd.\u201d is acceptable; \u201cTech Inc.\u201d is too vague.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Prohibited and Restricted Words<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some words require regulatory approval:<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cBank,\u201d \u201cTrust,\u201d or \u201cInsurance\u201d (regulated by OSFI).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cRoyal\u201d or \u201cParliament\u201d (implies government endorsement).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These restrictions protect consumers from misleading claims. Explore the official list of required naming terms by structure <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/ised-isde.canada.ca\/site\/corporations-canada\/en\/naming-corporation\/naming-corporation-requirements#toc-07\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Trademark and Domain Conflicts<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your company name must not infringe on <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/ised-isde.canada.ca\/site\/canadian-intellectual-property-office\/en\/trademarks\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">trademarks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or existing domains. Always check the CIPO database and domain registries. This also helps in securing domain names before competitors do.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Register Your Business Name Easily with Ownr<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting a business is a big step, and your name makes it official. With Ownr, you don\u2019t need to worry about complicated forms or government jargon. We make the process simple, affordable, and built for entrepreneurs like you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s why over 85,000 Canadians have trusted Ownr to get their business started:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guided registration, with clear steps from start to finish<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Automatic generation of required legal documents<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Built-in name search to reduce rejection risks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Affordable pricing, with no hidden fees<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Backed by RBC, giving you stability and credibility<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ongoing support and resources to keep your business compliant<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ownr<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you\u2019re not just registering a name. You\u2019re laying the foundation for your future with a partner that makes it official, complete, and legitimate.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much does it cost to register a company name in Canada?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Costs range from $30 to $500, depending on jurisdiction and method. Federal registrations are around $200 online, while provincial fees vary. NUANS reports are an added cost in some provinces.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can I use my personal name as my business name?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. Sole proprietors using their exact legal name don\u2019t need to register. But if you add descriptors (e.g., \u201cJohn Doe Plumbing\u201d), provincial registration is required.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can I change my company name after registration?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, you can change your company name after registration, but the process, requirements, and feasibility depend on your business structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation) and whether it&#8217;s registered federally or provincially.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What happens if my desired company name is already taken?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your desired company name is already taken, the registration will be rejected. You will need to modify the name, choose a variation, or register as a numbered corporation. Always perform a thorough name search to avoid rejections or legal disputes.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Before you launch your business, you\u2019ll have to go through one of the most fun and infuriating challenges: giving your business an official name. While there\u2019s no exact science to coming up with a great company name, keep in mind that it does more than just appear on invoices and signage. It protects business identity,<a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-register-company-name\/\&quot;">&#8230;.<span class=\"sr-only\">&#8220;How to Register a Company Name in Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[963,1009,965,987],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15610","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-before-you-start-a-business","category-new-to-canada-business-owners","category-ownrship-101","category-starting-up"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Register a Company Name in Canada | Ownr Blog<\/title>\n<meta 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