Registering a business name with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines is a vital step for entrepreneurs and business owners to ensure their business name is unique and protected. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the registration process:
1. Business Name Verification:
Before registering with DTI, choose a proposed business name. Ensure it follows the guidelines for acceptable names:
- The name should be based on the root word or words.
- It should describe the nature of the business.
- The name can consist only of letters and/or numerals.
- Punctuation marks commonly used in English and Filipino are allowed.
- Avoid names associated with illegal, offensive, scandalous, or improper activities.
- Ensure the name is not identical or closely resembles business names already registered with a government office authorized for name registrations.
- Avoid names composed solely of generic words or those that cannot be appropriated according to laws or regulations.
- Refrain from using names that suggest or imply the quality of goods, articles, merchandise, or services.
- Avoid abbreviations of names of nations, inter-governmental or international organizations.
- Ensure the name does not mislead, deceive, or misrepresent the nature of the business.
2. Prepare Necessary Documents:
- Have a valid government-issued ID (e.g., Passport, Driver’s License) of the applicant/owner of the business.
- Prepare three (3) proposed business names. In case your first choice is unavailable, have two alternative names.
3. Visit DTI Office or Apply Online:
- In-Person Application: Go to the nearest DTI office, submit the required documents, and fill out the application form (BN Form No. 08), available on the DTI website or at their office.
- Online Application:
- Fill out the application form on the DTI website (www.bnrs.dti.gov.ph), providing the required information (proposed business name, TIN, name of registrant, address, etc.).
- Submit the form online and receive a transaction reference number acknowledgment via email.
- Submit the necessary documentation mentioned in the acknowledgment to the DTI office in your area. Online business name reservation is valid for up to 3 working days.
- Pay the application fee, which varies based on territorial jurisdiction (barangay, city/municipality, regional, or national). Payment options may include GCash or payment at the DTI teller.
4. Pay the Registration Fee:
- As of September 2021, the fees for registering a business name with the DTI are approximately PHP 200 (may vary depending on the DTI office location).
- Additionally, you may need to pay for a Barangay Clearance (typically ranging from around PHP 100 to PHP 500) and a Mayor’s Permit (cost varies based on municipal/city location and business nature).
5. Processing Time:
- The processing time for DTI business name registration usually takes a few hours to a few days, depending on the DTI office’s workload.
6. Claiming the Certificate:
- If you applied in person, return to the DTI office on the scheduled date to claim your Certificate of Business Name Registration. If you applied online, you might receive an email notification, or you can log in to your account on the DTI website to download the certificate.
7. Validity and Renewal:
- The DTI business name registration is valid for five (5) years. Make sure to renew it before the expiration date to maintain the protection of your business name.
8. Additional Steps for Sole Proprietors:
- If you’re a sole proprietor, secure a Barangay Clearance and Mayor’s Permit from your local Barangay and Municipal/City Hall, respectively. These are usually required before you can conduct business in your chosen location.
Important Notes:
- DTI business name registration is for sole proprietorships only. Partnerships or corporations need to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
- Registering with DTI protects your business name only within the city or municipality where it’s registered. For nationwide protection, consider trademark registration with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).
As government regulations and processes may change over time, always check the DTI website or visit the nearest DTI office for the most up-to-date and accurate information on business name registration in the Philippines. Additionally, trademark registration with IPOPHL will have separate fees depending on the type of trademark and the number of classes it covers.
