Answer: The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires the registration of a fictitious name for a business.

A fictitious name is any name other than the surname (last name) of the owner with a statement of the nature of the business; it may include the owner’s given (first) name or initials, but the surname must appear. Examples: Brown’s Auto Shop, E. B. Brown’s Auto Shop, or Ed Brown’s Auto Shop need not be registered because it discloses with whom the public will be doing business. However, it no longer discloses with whom he is doing business with if it includes "Company, Incorporated, Associates or Limited" and if included it would necessitate registration.

Should a fictitious name be selected, there is a procedure to be followed.

You might wish to know if your fictitious name is already registered and being used by some one else. Should you find that the name is already registered, you may register your fictitious name anyway but keep in mind the legal aspects of using someone else’s fictitious name. This is true because the registration of your fictitious name, unlike a patent or copyright, does not create any exclusive or other right to the fictitious name.

The fictitious name shall not be the same as or confusingly similar to an existing corporate name or limited partnership name. It is not necessary to employ an attorney for registration. Simply apply to the address below for an application for the registration of a fictitious name. A registration certificate will be mailed to you after you return the application with a $52 fee.

On receipt of the certificate the law requires publication of the fictitious name in one local newspaper of general circulation or a newspaper where the business is to be located and one publication of specific limited publication (Pittsburgh Legal Journal or Business Times). The publication fees will approximate $150.

Application to register a fictitious name should be directed to: