Legal Definitions - assumed name

An assumed name is a name that a business operates under or is commonly known by. It can also be referred to as a fictitious name or DBA (doing business as). For example, if a company named Antex Corporation operates under the name Computer Warehouse, then Computer Warehouse is their assumed name.

Many states require businesses to file an assumed-name certificate if they operate under a name other than their legal name. This certificate is usually filed with the secretary of state's office or the county clerk's office where the business is located.

Other types of names include:

• Personal name: An individual's name given at birth, such as John or Sarah.
• Corporate name: The registered name under which a corporation conducts legal affairs, such as suing, being sued, and paying taxes.
• Trademark name: A nondescriptive name that may be owned and registered as a trademark.

These different types of names help to identify and distinguish individuals, businesses, and products from others.