One simple, online process now permits businesses to register their business name nationally, following the launch today of the new national business names registration service.

Acting Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, Anne Gale, said the new national register replaces multiple existing state and territory systems.

“Previously, businesses had to register their name separately—with different fees, forms and processes—in each state and territory in which they traded,” said Ms Gale.

“This meant that a business registering in all states and territories would pay more than
$1,000 to register its name for three years.

“Under this new service administered by Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), just one online registration process and a low fee – $30 for one year or $70 for three years – registers a business name throughout Australia.

“With more than 1.5 million registered business names across Australia, and some 250,000 new registrations each year, the new national business names registration service will save Australian businesses time and money.”

“The new service marks the culmination of collaborative efforts of State, Territory and Commonwealth Governments to reduce red tape for business, and improve consumers’ access to information.

Existing business names registered with Consumer and Business Services have been automatically transferred to the new national register. Details of the new online renewal process will be included in renewal notices sent by ASIC.

Businesses will also be able to follow links to ‘TM Check’, the simplified Australian trade mark search, and also domain name searches, which could help in choosing their business names.

The purpose of business name registration is to allow consumers to easily find out who is behind a business name. Consumers will be able to search online, free of charge, for the entity behind any business name currently registered in Australia. The new national business registration service is a key regulatory reform under the Council of Australian Government’s Seamless National Economy Agenda.

For more information on the new national business names service, or to register a business name, visit www.asic.gov.au/business-names