Business Name for existing corporation

Business Name for
an Existing Corporation
$65*

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Each corporation has a legal name, which is the name listed on the certificate of Incorporation. When a corporation starts new business activities it may need another business name related to the new business activities.

For example, Alex Home Construction Inc. may decide to open a separate division, which offers web design services. It’s quite difficult to offer such services under the name related to home construction.

Incorporation of a new corporation for that new business area is not necessarily the best solution. Each separate legal entity requires additional time and expenses (tax registrations, tax returns, etc.). The quick and inexpensive solution is registration of a business name, which reflects the business activities of that new corporate division.

As a result, Alex Home Construction Inc. is able to register and do business under the name Alex Web Design.

We are able to register a business name for an existing corporation in the following provinces:
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan

Business Name Registration for an Existing Corporation Information

Province Time Frame for Registration Validity of the
Registration and Renewal
Alberta 1 to 2 business days No annual renewal fee,
registration is valid until
you file dissolution
British Columbia Regular Processing 10 to 15 business days

Expedited services in 1 to 2 business days
for an additional fee

No annual renewal fee,
registration is valid until
you file dissolution
Manitoba Regular Processing 5 to 10 business days

Expedited services in 1 to 2 business days
for an additional fee

Valid for 3 years and then
requires a renewal
New Brunswick 7 to 10 business days Valid for 1 year and then
requires a renewal
Nova Scotia 7 to 12 business days Valid for 1 year and then
requires a renewal
Ontario 2 business hours Valid for 5 years and then
requires a renewal
Prince Edward Island 5 to 7 business days Valid for 3 years and then
requires a renewal
Saskatchewan 2 to 3 business days Valid for 3 years and then
requires a renewal

You should note that registration of a business name for an existing corporation does not protect the name. If you would like to protect the name you should incorporate a new corporation.

Benefits and Disadvantages of Registering a Business Name for an
Existing Corporation

Benefits Disadvantages
Quick and inexpensive registration Registration of a business name does
not protect the name
No additional expenses for accounting services and filing of additional tax returns Registration of each name may require a renewal in some provinces
Ability to register a separate business name for each area of the corporations business

Important Notice:

If you need to discuss your personal situation with a lawyer, chartered accountant or tax advisor, our company is able to refer you to a professional who is able to assist you.