Legal Definitions - doing business as (DBA)

Doing Business As (DBA) is a term used to describe a business's assumed or fictitious name. It means that the business is operating and presenting itself under a name that is different from the legal name of the person or people who own and are responsible for it.

Not all businesses need a DBA. It depends on the type of legal entity the business is, the requirements of the location, and the preference of the business owner. DBA is often used for brand names or franchises. Some states require a DBA statement to be filed for consumer protection.

For example, if Amy Wilson wants to start a decoration business, she can operate under her own name. However, if she chooses to register a DBA name, she can operate as "Amy's Decoration Shop." After registering the DBA, Amy's full name is not legally attached to her business's name.

Another example is the case of Donovan v. RRL Corp., 26 Cal. 4th 261 (2001), where the defendant, RRL Corporation, was a Lexus car dealership doing business as Lexus of Westminster. This means that the organization can be referred to as "RLL Corporation d/b/a Lexus of Westminster."

The examples illustrate that DBA is a way for businesses to operate under a name that is different from the legal name of the owner. It can be useful for branding and marketing purposes, but it is important to follow the legal requirements of the location where the business operates.