Can 2 businesses have the same name in California?
Henry Morales
Published Apr 02, 2026
If another business has the same or a similar name, there is a risk of confusing consumers. In California, DBAs cannot include “Inc.,” “LLC,” “Corp.,” or other language that could give consumers the impression that the fictitious name is its own legal entity.
Can two corporations have the same name in the same state?
You can often use the same business name in your own state or another state, if it is not in the state where the business name is filed, and it doesn’t violate trademark rules. This is common practice for smaller local businesses. However, this depends on what you mean by “business name”.
Can two company have same name?
A company cannot have the same name as another registered company. Any company formation or change of name application containing a company name that is the ‘same as’ or ‘too similar’ to an existing name will be rejected by Companies House.
Can 2 farms have the same name?
Because business names are registered on a state-by-state basis, the fact that a company in another state has the same name as yours is usually not a cause for concern. However, you are right in that there could be intellectual property issues (namely, trademark) when two companies have the same name.
The Secretary of State may reject a proposed corporate name because it is the same as an existing corporate name and yet that same name may well be perfectly acceptable as a limited liability company or limited partnership name.
What does active business entity mean in California?
Definitions. “Active” means not revoked, cancelled, merged out, converted, dissolved, surrendered, term expired, inactive, suspended or forfeited. “Business entity” means a domestic corporation, foreign corporation, limited liability company, foreign limited liability company, limited partnership or foreign limited partnership.
What does existing corporate name mean in California?
With respect to a corporation, an “existing corporate name” means: The current name of an active domestic corporation; The name under which a qualified foreign corporation currently is authorized to transact intrastate business in California or the registered name pursuant to Corporations Code section 2101;
Can a foreign corporation do business in California?
Once a foreign corporation qualifies to do business in the state with the SOS, it becomes subject to the franchise tax A foreign corporation that does not qualify with the SOS, but does business in California, is subject to the franchise tax page for a full list of due dates and estimate payments for corporations.
How much does a corporation have to pay in California?
Every corporation that is incorporated, registered, or doing business in California must pay the $800 minimum franchise tax.