I formed an LLC called Bright Path Ventures LLC last year. My website and the name I use with customers is just 'Bright Path Coffee'. Do I need to make the LLC name match the website and business name exactly? I keep seeing conflicting info online. I'm in Ohio if that matters.
LLC Naming
Does my llc name have to match my website and business name?
Ohio doesn't require your LLC name to match your trade name or website.You can operate under a fictitious name (DBA) if you want the business name to be legally tied to the LLC. But you should register that DBA with the county or state depending on your structure. Otherwise you're just using an unregistered assumed name, which can cause issues if you evsr need to enforce a contract or open a bank account in the business name.
Not required, but think about branding confusion. If ypour LLC is Bright Path Ventures and your storefront says Bright Path Coffee, customers might write checks to the coffee name. Banks can be picky about depositing into an account titled to the LLC if the name doesn't match. A DBA solves that.
So the DBA is the piece I was missing. I already have a business bank account under the LLC name, but I've been depositing checks made out to Bright Path Coffee. My bank hasn't complained yet, but maybe I should get the DBA registered to be safe.
How long have you been operating without the DBA? If it's been over a year, you might want to talk to a local business attorney. Not trying to scare you, but some counties charge penalties for late registration of a fictitious name.
This is why I just made my LLC name identical to my website. One name, one bank account, one set of signage. Less to keep track of. Costs a bit more upfront for the LLC filing if the name is already taken, but it's simpler.
That works until you want to sell the coffee shop and keep the LLC for a different venture.Then you've got a website and brand tied to an entity name you no longer use. There's no single right answer. It depends on whether you see the LLC as disposable or as a lkng-term holding company.
Also check your local city or township. Some require a separate business license or registration for the name on the sign, regardless of what the state says about your LLC.
One more thing: if you ever want to trademark 'Bright Path Coffee', the fact that your LLC is named something else isn't automatically a problem, but you'll need to show you're actually using that name in commerce. Having the DBA on file helps with that, though.
Thanks, everyone. I'm going to look into the county DBA process this week and double-check with my bank about the check situation. I'll report back if I hit any snags.