How to Choose a Business Name in BC: Complete 2026 Guide for Entrepreneurs

Your business name is often the first impression potential clients have of your company.  But in British Columbia, choosing the right name isn't just about marketing – it's also about legal compliance.  Choose wrong, and you could face rejection from BC Registry Services, trademark disputes, or costly rebranding down the road.

After helping dozens of entrepreneurs navigate the BC incorporation process, I've seen a variety naming mistakes along the way.  This comprehensive guide will help you choose a business name that's both legally compliant and market-ready.

Understanding BC's Naming Requirements

Before you fall in love with a business name, you need to understand BC Registry Services' mandatory naming guidelines.  Every BC incorporated company must have a name that includes three key elements:

1. Distinctive Element 

This is the unique part of your name that sets you apart from other businesses.  It's what makes your company recognizable and memorable.

Examples:

• In "ABC Coffee Ltd.", "ABC" is the distinctive element;

• In "XYZ Tech Solutions Inc.", "XYZ" is the distinctive element.

2. Descriptive Element 

While not always mandatory, including a descriptive element that explains what your business does helps with clarity and marketing.  It can also help distinguish your business from others with similar distinctive elements.

Examples:

• In "ABC Coffee Ltd.", "Coffee" is the descriptive element;

• In "XYZ Tech Solutions Inc.", "Tech Solutions" is the descriptive element.

3. Corporate Designation 

Every BC corporation must include one of the following designations:

• Limited or Ltd.;

• Incorporated or Inc.; or

• Corporation or Corp.

You cannot use abbreviations other than those listed (for example, "Co." is not acceptable).

BC's Specific Naming Restrictions  

BC Registry Services will reject your name if it:

A. Conflicts with Existing Businesses 

• Is identical or confusingly similar to an existing BC registered business; or

• Could mislead the public about your business's connection to another entity.

B. Contains Prohibited or Restricted Words 

• Suggests government affiliation without authorization ("Royal," "Imperial," "Parliament");

• Requires special licensing ("Bank," "Trust," "Insurance," "University," "Lawyer");

• Is obscene or suggests illegal activity; and/or

• Uses place names that could be misleading about your business location.

Note: Naming restrictions are subject to BC Registry Services' current policies and guidelines.  Always check their most recent Name Approval Guidelines at www.bcregistryservices.gov.bc.ca before submitting your Name Request.

C. Violates Other Naming Rules 

• Is primarily numbers (with limited exceptions);

• Is only a corporate designation;

• Is too general ("B.C. Company Ltd."); or

• Contains punctuation marks (except "&" and "-").

Step-by-Step: How to Search Your Prospective BC Business Name 

Step 1: Conduct Preliminary Searches 

Before submitting a formal Name Request, do your homework:

BC Business Registry Search

Visit BC Registry Services' Corporate Online system at www.corporateonline.gov.bc.ca and search for similar business names.  This search shows you existing registered businesses in BC and helps you avoid obvious conflicts.

Pro tip: Search variations of your proposed name.  If you want "ABC Coffee Ltd.", also search "ABC Cafe," "ABC Beverages," and similar variations.

Google and Social Media Search

Even if a name isn't officially registered, someone might already be operating under it.  Search:

• Google (your name plus "Vancouver" or "BC");

• LinkedIn company pages;

• Facebook business pages; and

• Instagram business accounts.

Finding an existing business using your name can help avoid marketplace confusion and potential passing-off claims.

Domain Availability

Check if the matching ".com" and ".ca" domains are available.  In today's digital world, your business name should match your website domain.  Use domain registrar search tools to verify availability.

Step 2: Search for Trademark Conflicts 

This can be critical.  BC Registry Services checks whether your name conflicts with other BC registered businesses, but they don't check for trademark infringement – that's your responsibility.

Visit the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) and search the Canadian Trademarks Database for:

• Your exact proposed name;

• Similar names in your industry; and

• Key words from your distinctive element.

Example: If you want to name your coffee shop "ABC Coffee Ltd.", search for "ABC" across all categories, not just food services.  Someone might have trademarked "ABC" for retail products, which could create conflicts.

Why this matters: Even if BC Registry Services approves your name, you could still face trademark infringement claims from businesses with registered or common-law trademark rights. This could force an expensive rebrand after you've invested in marketing materials, signage, and building brand recognition.

Step 3: Submit Your Name Request 

Once you've confirmed your name is available, our firm would be happy to assist you with submitting a Name Request through BC Registry Services.

Name Request Tips:

• Provide alternative names (the system allows you to submit up to three choices in priority order);

• Give as much detail as possible about your business activities; and

• If your name includes unusual elements, provide an explanation to help the examiner understand.

Step 4: Receive Your Name Approval 

If approved: your name is reserved for 56 days from the approval date.  You must complete your incorporation within this timeframe, or the name reservation expires and becomes available to others.  If you need additional time, you can request a 56-day extension from BC Registry Services for an additional fee before your initial reservation expires.

If your name is rejected: BC Registry Services will provide specific reasons for rejection. You can:

• Modify your name to address their concerns and resubmit;

• Request reconsideration if you believe the rejection was in error; or

• Choose one of your alternative names (if you submitted multiple options).

Step 5: Complete Your Incorporation 

With your approved name, you can now proceed with filing your Incorporation Application with BC Registry Services.  The name becomes officially registered when your incorporation is complete.

The Numbered Company Alternative 

Not ready to commit to a name?  Or need to incorporate quickly?  Consider a numbered company.

What is a numbered company? 

BC Registry Services automatically assigns a seven-digit number when you incorporate without a specific name.  Your legal name becomes something like "1234567 B.C. Ltd."

Advantages:

• Speed: Incorporate immediately – no name approval wait time;

• No rejection risk: No chance of name conflicts or rejections;

• Lower initial cost: Save the Name Request fee; and

• Flexibility: Decide on your operating name later.

How it works:

You incorporate as "1234567 B.C. Ltd." (your numbered company), then register a trade name (also called a "Doing Business As" or "DBA") if you want to operate under a specific business name.  Trade names must be registered with BC Registry Services through a Business Name Registration filing.

Example:

• Corporate name: "1234567 B.C. Ltd."

• Trade name: "ABC Coffee"

• Marketing: "ABC Coffee, a division of 1234567 B.C. Ltd."

Important distinction:  A trade name provides less legal protection than an incorporated name. Anyone could potentially incorporate "ABC Coffee Ltd." even if you're already operating under that trade name.  If stronger name protection is important, use a named corporation rather than a numbered company with a trade name.

Trademark Registration: Going Beyond Name Approval 

BC name approval only protects you from other BC businesses registering the same name.  It doesn't:

• Protect you in other provinces;

• Prevent others from using similar names as trade names;

• Give you trademark rights; or

• Protect you from infringement claims.

Consider federal trademark registration if:

• You're building a brand you want to protect nationally;

• You're investing significantly in marketing and brand recognition;

• You plan to expand beyond BC; and/or

• Your business name is central to your market positioning.

A registered trademark gives you exclusive rights to use that mark across Canada in association with your specific goods or services.  This is stronger protection than simply having an incorporated name.

Provincial vs. Federal Incorporation 

This guide focuses on BC provincial incorporation through BC Registry Services.  However, you also have the option to incorporate federally under the Canada Business Corporations Act.

Key differences:

Aspect	BC Provincial	Federal
Name approval	BC Registry Services Name Request	NUANS report required
Cost	Lower	Higher
Name protection	BC only	Automatic nationwide
Complexity	Simpler	More complex
Often best for	BC-focused businesses	Multi-province operations

Most BC small businesses choose provincial incorporation because it's generally faster, less expensive, and sufficient if you're operating primarily in British Columbia.

Consider federal incorporation if:

• You're operating in multiple provinces;

• You want automatic name protection across Canada;

• You're planning significant national expansion; and/or

• Your industry requires federal incorporation.

Consult with a business lawyer to determine which incorporation option best suits your specific circumstances.

Common Business Naming Mistakes to Avoid 

1. Skipping the trademark search

"BC Registry approved my name, so I'm protected, right?"  Wrong.  Registry approval only means your name doesn't conflict with other BC registered businesses.  You could still be infringing on someone's trademark.

2. Choosing a name that's too similar to competitors

Even if legally distinct, a name very similar to an established competitor creates confusion and makes your marketing harder.  Stand out – don't blend in.

3. Forgetting about domain availability

You've incorporated as "ABC Coffee Ltd." but abccoffee.com is taken.  Now you're stuck with abccoffeevancouver.com or a completely different domain.  Check domains before committing to a name.

4. Not thinking long-term

"Vancouver Mobile Phone Repair Inc." sounds great when you're focused on phone repairs in Vancouver.  But what if you expand to tablets?  Or Surrey?  Choose a name that can grow with your business.

5. Using trendy spelling

"Xtreme Xpress Xcellence Corp." might seem creative, but it makes your business harder to find online and creates confusion.  Clear beats clever.

6. Ignoring name pronunciation

If people can't pronounce your business name, they won't remember it or recommend it.  Say it out loud.  Test it with friends and potential customers.

Get Professional Guidance

Choosing and registering a business name involves strategic considerations and adherence to legal guidelines.  While many aspects can be handled independently, consulting with a lawyer who specializes in business law can help you:

• Navigate complex naming scenarios (such as names similar to existing businesses);

• Understand the implications of BC provincial vs. federal incorporation;

• Conduct trademark searches to assess potential conflicts;

• Respond to Name Request rejections;

• Properly incorporate your business with articles of incorporation structured for future growth; and

• Get advice on share structure, director requirements, and corporate governance.

By taking the time to properly research, select, and register your business name, you'll establish a strong foundation for your company's legal compliance and market presence in British Columbia.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about choosing or registering a business name in BC and/or incorporating a business in BC, please contact us at (604) 736-9791 or email Alex Robertson ar@dwslaw.ca.

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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to serve as, or should be construed as legal advice, and is only to provide general information. Should you require legal advice for your particular situation, please get in touch with us. The information for this article was compiled on January 26, 2026.