CRO name versus trading name?

Denalihighway

Hi
Briefly...

I'm setting up a business and want to register it with CRO soon because I want to start charging company expenses etc...

Am I right or wrong in saying I can trade as a different name (when I'm 100% sure about how I want to brand it) from the CRO name?

So if I was setting up a nuts business and my name was Mr Smith, I could just go ahead and register 'Mr Smith Enterprises' with the CRO while I decide whether to call the company 'Brilliant Nuts' or 'Nuts Galore' or whatever....(pardon the names)

Thanks in advance

J.Ryan

A trade name can be purchased by a sole trader, a partnership or a company.

So if I understand your question correctly, you can establish a company
"limited Co Ltd" today and in time (when you decide on your branding) register a trade name (say CBA).

The company would then be known as Limited Co Ltd Trading as CBA.

CBA could be on all letterheads and signage, however the company would have to comply with all disclosure requirements under company law.

Denalihighway

Thanks J. It would be a sole trader.

So then before I started the business I would have to register 'CBA' with the Patent Office?

J.Ryan

The CRO, don't pre-register business names, however there is a date on the form where you state the date of adoption of the name.

Denalihighway

sorry you've lost me slightly J...i gather your business name and trading name have to be registered seperately?

do I:

- register company name with CRO

then afterwards

- register trading/brand name with Patent Office

or have a got it wrong?

PaulPinnacle

Denalihighway wrote: »

It would be a sole trader.

Denalihighway wrote: »

- register company name with CRO
then afterwards
- register trading/brand name with Patent Office

If you're a sole trader, you don't have or need a company name. You have a 'business name'/trading name. So in that case, you simply register the business name with the CRO (the patent office is for protecting rights to a name, not to 'register' it).

Denalihighway

OK thanks lads

so clearly, if I'm a sole trader, then I should be happy that the name I select for the CRO will be my brand/trading/website name as such

cheers

J.Ryan

Denalihighway wrote: »

OK thanks lads

so clearly, if I'm a sole trader, then I should be happy that the name I select for the CRO will be my brand/trading/website name as such

cheers

Yes

PaulPinnacle

Denalihighway wrote: »

then I should be happy that the name I select for the CRO will be my brand/trading/website name as such

Pretty much.

If using any 'business name' which differs from your own name, you must register it with the CRO.

It doesn't 'have' to be the same as your website name, but if you're hoping to obtain a .ie domain it's beneficial if the business name shows a clear right to the name you're seeking (check out the requirements for a .ie domain to see how it's relevant). It doesn't 'have' to be the same, but it will help speed things up/make it a little easier if it is the same or close.

As a first step, I'd suggest making sure that your planned set up is the best solution for you. There are big differences between the obligations on a company (don't confuse 'business' and 'company', they're very different) and a sole trader. There are pro's and con's with either depending on your specific situation. It's probably worth organising a meeting with an accountant (most will provide a free one hour initial consultation) to discuss this (and other relevant matters).

Denalihighway

i've looked into the set-up alright...and I'll be making sure all is OK there before I do the above also. Thanks very much