In the case of a business owned by an individual, a “fictitious business name” is any name that does not include the last name (surname) of the owner, or which implies additional owners (such as “Company,” “and Company,” “and Sons,” “Associates,” etc.)
Examples:
- “Joyce Smith Catering” is not a Fictitious Business Name.
- “Smith and Company Catering” is a Fictitious Business Name.
In the case of a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership, a fictitious business name is any name other than the exact name that is on record with the Secretary of the State’s Office.
California law requires that FBN’s are filed at the County level; there is no State-wide registry or national registry.