Individual business company Choosing and protecting the name of your

Verified 07 September 2023 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Giving your company a name is obligatory. It's about his denomination. You can also choose a trade name but it's optional. The two are very different.

The name of your company matches your name, which is your surname and your first name.

Individual business company company Indeed, by being the leader of a natural person, as opposed to a business that is a legal person.

Your name must be preceded or followed by "sole trader or "IS".

This is called naming.

FYI  

Therefore, you cannot change the name of your company (except in case of a change of surname or first name).

The name must be indicated on all your documents professional: invoice, order, advertising, correspondence, etc.

Protection is automatic from the time you individual business registration of your or theregistration of your micro-company.

You own the name and this protection is valid throughout France.

What is the trade name?

Unlike the company name, it is optional.

It is, however advisable to choose one.

Your trade name is a tool for communication to customers, investors, partners, etc.

You are free to choose it. This may be your last name, a pseudonym or any other term invented.

Please note

If you choose your last name, then the trade name is the same as the company name.

What is the trade name for?

Unlike the name that identifies only your company, the trade name is used to identify your business, your products and goodwill. It is also used to differentiate this activity and these products from those of your competitors.

You use the trade name during your pitch of presentation with the banks and financiers of your project.

The trade or business name may be used for the following means of identification:

  • Brand of your product or activity
  • Sign of a local or store
  • Logo
  • Domain name of your website

But it can also be different and add to a brand, logo, etc.

In all cases, these different means of identification are optional. They can complement each other and can be used only if you wish.

Please note

If you're a merchant, we're talking about name salesman.

If you're a craftsman or a liberal, we're talking about names professional.

Your business or professional name may appear on your business cards, company letterhead, contracts, quotes and invoices (in addition to mandatory particulars).

Unlike the name, it is not mandatory.

How do I check the availability of a trade name?

Before To choose a commercial or professional name, it is better to check that it has not already been taken by another company.

To check its availability, you can consult for free the Data Inpi database.

Free search for company name availability on Data Inpi

You can complete this search with a more detailed (paid) request for similarity from the Inpi.

Check availability of a brand, logo, domain name, design (fee)

Do I have to declare the trade name?

The use of a trade name is not not required. However, if you choose to use one, it must be declared at registration of your micro-company or your individual business the Commercial and business Register (RCS) and/or the National company Register (RNE).

In addition, if the company were to adopt a trade name after registration, the trade name must be declared in the 1-month period.

In either case, this declaration must be made online on the company formalities office :

Company Formalities Window

Warning  

Multiple trade names cannot be reported to the SCN for the same institution.

How do I protect my business name?

Unlike the name, protection is not automatic.

You become proprietor your business or professional name from its 1re use in a document : flyers, advertisements, invoices, etc.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region