When choosing your business name, remember that certain words or expressions cannot be used. Words or expressions, in any language, that are obscene or objectionable in nature. Words that imply the business is a different type of organization. For example, you may not imply that a sole proprietorship is a partnership. You may not use […]
Choosing an Ontario business name
Choosing the right name for your new business is an important decision. You want a name that will draw potential customers, help clients identify your company and build your business image. A name that is easy to remember and provides information about the products or services you offer is always a good choice. Choose a […]
Penalties for not registering a Business Name in Ontario
Under the Business Names Act, fines of up to $2,000 can be levied against individuals and up to $25,000 for corporations for failure to register or for registering false or misleading information. Ontario Business Name Registration in 1 Hour $39.99 Company Formations simplifies to the maximum the task of registering a new sole proprietorship business […]
Liability of Business Names in Ontario
The registrant of a business name who has suffered damages because someone else has registered the same name or one that is deceptively similar can take legal action through the courts. The Business Names Act entitles you to recover compensation for damages suffered and provides for a court order cancelling the registration that was the […]
Amending or cancelling an Ontario Business Name registration
To ensure the Public Record is accurate, you must notify the Central Production and Verification Services Branch when the information in your registration has changed. Changes in address, business activity or partners (as long as one of the original partners remains the same), must be filed on the Ministry form within 15 days after the […]
Registration expiry/renewal of Business Names in Ontario
A business name registration is effective for five years. To continue using the name it must be renewed before the expiry date set out on the registration, and a renewal fee must be paid. It is the registrant’s responsibility to keep the information on the registration up to date and to renew the registration on […]
Checking to see if another business is already using the business name
Before making a final decision on your business name and ordering business cards or stationery you will want to know if someone else is already using the name. A search of the Companies and Personal Property Security Branch records will determine whether another Ontario business is using the name you have selected and where that […]
Ontario Master Business Licence (MBL)
When registering a business name, you will be issued an MBL, which shows the registration and expiry dates as well as the Business Identification Number (BIN). The MBL can be used as one of the proofs of business name registration at financial institutions and to facilitate any other business-related registration with the Ontario government. When […]
Where can I register a business name and obtain a Master Business Licence?
Ontario.ca provides access to the government’s electronic services that simplify and streamline registration, renewal and reporting processes for Ontario businesses. New entrepreneurs and existing corporations can electronically complete the most important applications to register their business at one location, including applications for Business Name Registration, Retail Sales Tax Vendor Permit, Employer Health Tax and Workplace […]
Who must register under the Business Names Act?
The Ontario Business Names Act administered by the Central Production and Verification Services Branch applies to: sole proprietorships (one owner) carrying on business under a name other than the individual’s full name; partnerships carrying on business under a firm name other than the full names of the partners; corporations carrying on business under a name […]
