Business Name Registration
Registration of sole proprietorship or partnership business name in Ontario.
Corporate work such as incorporations, minute books and business agreements is often work only a lawyer may do; before any work starts we confirm that what you need is within what a licensed paralegal is permitted to do, and we refer anything that is not to an Ontario lawyer.
What is included
- Checking the name you want to use
- Registering it under Ontario's Business Names Act through the Ontario Business Registry
- Sending you the Master Business Licence
- Explaining when the registration must be renewed
What is not included
- Government registration and search fees and other disbursements, unless the service says they are included
- Tax, accounting or financial advice
- Work that only a lawyer may do, such as advice on disputes between owners
- Registration in other provinces, unless agreed in writing
- Ongoing corporate work beyond the service named
Who this service is for
- Sole proprietors using a name other than their own
- Partnerships trading under a business name
- Corporations operating under a name different from their legal name
Information to have ready
- 1The business name and what the business does
- 2Owners' names and addresses
- 3The business address
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?
The fee is $250 plus 13% HST ($282.50 in all) for the work described on this page. Court, tribunal or government fees and other disbursements are extra. We confirm the scope and the fee in a written retainer agreement before any work starts.
What happens when I check out?
You book a time for your intake call, then save a card on Stripe's secure page. Nothing is charged today: the card is only charged later, for an invoice for work already done, as your retainer agreement sets out. A licensed paralegal confirms the details, checks for conflicts of interest and, if we can act for you, sends the retainer agreement. Fees paid before the work is done are held in our trust account.
Does registering a business name protect it?
Not fully. Registration does not stop others from using a similar name; a registered trademark may give more protection.
Do I need to register if I use my own name?
Not if you trade only under your own full legal name. Adding anything else, such as the word Services, usually means the name must be registered.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
- Government processing times are outside our control
- The work covers corporate filings and records, not tax or business advice
- Much corporate work may need a lawyer; we tell you before any work starts
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