What Utah Business Owners Need to Know About Trade Names
How to register, protect, and enforce a Utah trade name for your small business, LLC, or sole proprietorship
Your trade name is the public face of your business. It is how customers recognize you and how you appear on invoices, ads, and contracts. In Utah, registering that name provides legal recognition and helps prevent others from using one that is too similar. This guide walks you through the full process from checking availability to filing, renewing, and keeping your brand protected under Utah law.
What a Trade Name (DBA) Is
A trade name, also called a doing business as or DBA, is the name your company uses with the public. It can be different from your legal entity name such as an LLC or corporation.
It does not create a new legal entity. It identifies how your business appears in transactions and marketing.
Why Registration Matters
Registering your trade name with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code gives you state level recognition and helps block confusingly similar names.
- Shows up in the state database for banks, contracts, and tax records
- Supports brand consistency online and across Utah counties
- Helps prevent use of a confusingly similar name by another business
Check Name Availability
Before you register, confirm that your name is not already taken or too close to another. Use the Utah Division of Corporations Business Name Availability Search and look for spelling variants, abbreviations, and plurals. Avoid words that suggest government affiliation or restricted industries.
- Search your desired trade name online
- Confirm it is not identical or confusingly similar
- Verify you are not infringing on an existing trademark
Register Your Trade Name
You can file online or by mail with the Utah Division of Corporations.
Renewal and Maintenance
Utah trade names must be renewed every three years. The Division may send a notice, but renewal is your responsibility.
- Mark your renewal date on your business calendar
- Keep your contact info current with the Division
- Renew early to avoid lapses in registration
Trade Name vs. Trademark
A Utah trade name registers your name for use in the state. A federal trademark protects brand elements such as logos, slogans, or product names nationwide.
Trade name registration alone does not create federal trademark rights. If you are building a broader brand, consider filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Conflicts and Brand Protection
If another business starts using a confusingly similar name, contact them in writing first. If needed, file a complaint with the Division or seek legal advice. Use contracts and nondisclosure agreements when sharing brand materials.
Utah Code §§ 42-2-5 governs business name registration. Deceptive naming can lead to penalties or denial of filings.
Video and Social Learning Hub
YouTube: Utah Trade Name and DBA Guides
Protect Your Utah Trade Name
Registering and maintaining your trade name keeps your public identity clear and credible. Renew on time, monitor for conflicts, and consider trademark protection if you plan to scale.
Talk to a Utah AttorneyFor more Utah focused business and legal guides, visit Utah Law Explained. This page is legal information, not legal advice. Always verify state and federal filings before using or promoting your business name.