Irrespective of the nature and form of business, a company is required to have a name. This name distinguishes a company from its competitors in the market. Hence, it is very important for every company to select a suitable name for its business.

It is essential to note that proposed name should be registered with appropriate authorities in order to prevent infringement or trademark issues that may arise in future.

At the same time, it is important for a company to ensure that it does not use a name that is similar to the name of an existing corporation/company. Further, specific provisions and regulations may be provided by relevant authorities on the type of name that can be used by a company.

Important Steps In Registration of Business Name In Wisconsin

Identify Relevant Registration Authority

Depending on the form of business (partnership, sole proprietorship, private limited company and so on), a company may be required to register its name with a different registration authority.

For Instance, sole proprietorship and partnership firms are required to file an application for name registration with the County Register of Deeds. Corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships or limited liability partnership firms are required to file an application for registration of name with Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI).

Search Business Name

It is important for a company to check name availability with the help of database (containing existing registered company names) available online. This online database can be accessed by visiting State of Wisconsin website.

Sole proprietorship and partnership firms can check real estate index, phone directory and online database to ensure that no other firm is carrying its business with a name that is similar to the name proposed for registration.

Similarly corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnership firms or limited liability partnership firms are required to check name availability on the basis of two important standards defined by DFI.

First standard states that the name proposed for registration should not already be registered with DFI and second standard states that the proposed name should not be similar or deceptively similar to any other name.

However, it is important to note that second standard applies only in case of domestic and foreign limited partnerships. Name availability can also be checked by calling on the relevant phone number of DFI.

File Name Reservation Application

It is advisable for corporations, limited liability companies,limited partnership firms or limited liability partnership firms to submit a name reservation application (Form 1) or an application letter before submitting articles of association with DFI.Application fees may vary from $ 10 to $ 15 depending on the form of business.

For Instance, application fee is $ 10 in case of domestic and foreign limited partnerships. It is important to note that this fee is non refundable. In case name reservation application is rejected, company will not be entitled to any refund of fees.

Sole proprietorship and partnership firms are required to file “Registrations of Firm Names” application in order to apply for registration of the firm’s name. It is important to note that the form is required to be filled with a black ink pen. A fee of $ 30 is required to be paid along with the registration form.

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