How Should I Use a Fictitious Business Name?

This post is adapted from my answer to a Quora question about use of a fictitious business name (FBN): Q. Must an LLC with a fictitious business name display the LLC name on its website?

A. In my opinion, an entity’s proper name and complete identification should be provided in every agreement. Agreements include website terms of service. Example showing how to include both the entity name and the FBN:

[Company Name], LLC, a California limited liability company doing business as [Fictitious Business Name], with a place of business at [address]

Of course, the proper name will be required in various governmental filings, too.

In other routine business activities, the fictitious business name (also called a “DBA” for “doing business as”) typically is used on its own. After all, that is why the fictitious business name exists!

Check out all posts about fictitious business names.

Dana H. Shultz, Attorney at Law  +1 510 547-0545  dana [at] danashultz [dot] com
This blog does not provide legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice, please contact a lawyer directly.