Business Name Registration

A business name is a name used in business transactions other than true names of persons and / or judicial entities. Business Name Registration is one of the major frontline services that DTI-NCR handles. It regulates the requirements and procedures needed in registering a business name.

There is a need to register business names to protect both the consumers and business owners. The process is able to identify the name and address of the establishment, and the identity of the owner. Thus, consumers are assured of fair trade transactions because they are provided with the mechanism to trace essential information on the firm and its owner. Likewise, business name registration protects business name owners because it entitles them to the exclusive use of the business name that they have chosen.

What Cannot be Registered

There are business names which cannot be registered with DTI:

1. Similar or confusingly similar with a registered business name
2. Prior registered names with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Intellectual Property Office (IPO)
3. Immoral sounding
4. Words which are scandalous, immoral and illegal in nature
5. Names used by the government in its official non-proprietary functions
6. The words: Company, Limited, Associates, Sons, Groups, Philippines, nation, state, barangay, Metro Manila, Philippines International, CALABARZON, and ASEAN, etc.
7. Bargain, Discount or similar words
8. Full name of another person (except when it is part of a duly registered business name, sells or transfers the business name)
9. Names of any nation, intergovernmental or international organization unless authorized by the competent authority of such (UN, UNESCO, etc.)
10. Names which misinterpret the nature of the business
11. Generic terms
12. Names, words, terms or expressions suggestive of quality of any class of goods, articles, merchandise, or service
13. The word Industry (except when engaged in manufacturing, processing, and farming)