2 companies, same name

[Steelsun]

To get back on track:

You can check out DBA's in Houston (to see who has a name etc) here:
http://www.cclerk.hctx.net/coolice/d...ice=an_inquiry

[DangerouslyMoody]

Thank you, I had looked at that site before I registered my DBA and there was no one else using "Sweet Shots Photography" and it was still available when I went in as well.. When I use that search it shows I am the owner...

I emailed the county clerks office, so I will see what they have to say.

Thank you so much for all of y'alls input and guidance :)

[DangerouslyMoody]

I called the County Clerk and they said multiple people could have the same DBA...
whats the point of having one then LOL

[CobyPhoto]

Originally Posted by Steelsun

Gotta love county union employees. Different answers everytime.

I am with you on this one Brian. I have never seen them let two different people file the indentical name on a DBA. That is one of the purposes of the DBA and the reason they have the data base.

I believe you are getting some mis-information here, Autumn. Walk in and try to register your exact name as you already have it, without telling them, and see what the agent tells you. I would bet they tell you, can't have that name, it is already taken.

CJ

[12stones]

Originally Posted by DangerouslyMoody

I called the County Clerk and they said multiple people could have the same DBA...
whats the point of having one then LOL

Originally Posted by CobyPhoto

I am with you on this one Brian. I have never seen them let two different people file the indentical name on a DBA. That is one of the purposes of the DBA and the reason they have the data base.

I believe you are getting some mis-information here, Autumn. Walk in and try to register your exact name as you already have it, without telling them, and see what the agent tells you. I would bet they tell you, can't have that name, it is already taken.

CJ

It was the same answer I got when I called them.

[SCone]

Dallas County says that if any conflict in business names should be dealt with via the courts.

[andyz]

Here is some good info.

http://www.businessnameusa.com/dba/state/texas.htm

I am in Bell county. Many years ago, as a commercial lender in a community bank I had a copy of a local law citing the possible penalties for not filing a dba. I couldn't find it now, but this site mentions possible penalties. It may be helpful on this topic.

[w9ctm]

In Williamson County, they require that you look in their book to verify that the name is not already registered. If not, and they then also verify it, you can do the paperwork and file it with them. They will then shake your hand and congratulate you, because you are now a business owner.
Bottom line, only one individual/corporation gets to use a specific business name at a time in Williamson County. It was my understanding that is the way it worked in all counties in all states. Guess I am getting educated here.

Chuck

[CobyPhoto]

Originally Posted by w9ctm

In Williamson County, they require that you look in their book to verify that the name is not already registered. If not, and they then also verify it, you can do the paperwork and file it with them. They will then shake your hand and congratulate you, because you are now a business owner.
Bottom line, only one individual/corporation gets to use a specific business name at a time in Williamson County. It was my understanding that is the way it worked in all counties in all states. Guess I am getting educated here.

Chuck

Chuck,

That is the way it is in all counties. The reaso they don't give you the certified, registered copy the day of filing (mail it to you) is so they can do all the double checking and add the name to the database.

Of course, add a comma, or hypen to the name and they consider it different. So you can technically have two companies with almost identical names!

CJ

[DangerouslyMoody]

I guess Harris county is just different then everyone else LOL either that or the person answering the phone isn't too bright :)

[CobyPhoto]

Originally Posted by DangerouslyMoody

I guess Harris county is just different then everyone else LOL either that or the person answering the phone isn't too bright :)

I am bettin on the Ain't too bright...

I have 4 DBA'S in harris county and on one, I have to get the person who owned the same name (I bought the company) to abate the name before I could register it...

You can't register two name identical, but one person can have that name and NOT have it registered as a dba.

CJ