Australia will soon launch the National Business Names Register which will enable companies to use a single form to register a business name across all Australian states and territories.

1. Australia to Reform Business Name Registration Process
(Sunnyvale, CA) - Australia will soon launch the National Business Names Register which will enable
companies to use a single form to register a business name across all Australian states and territories.
In accordance with the Business Names Registration Act 2011 (Cth), from May 28, 2012, the Australian
Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) will maintain a new business names register on a
centralized database.
The current process requires business names to be registered in each state and territory where the
business operates (with certain exceptions).
Process for Existing Business Names
For companies with registered business names before the commencement date, ASIC will have it
transferred automatically to the new Register on the start date. Entities that wish to continue business
under the existing name after the start date will need to renew it before it expires.
Registering a Business Name After the Commencement Date
The process for registering a business name after the start date involves creating an 'ASIC Connect'
account with ASIC and completing an online application.
Information Displayed on the Register
Certain details of the business name such as the name, ABN and period of registration will be available
to public via online search, once applications have been submitted successfully.
Paid search will provide further information on the service address of the business name holder and
principal place of business.
Multiple Business Names
Businesses with names registered in more than one state will find all the names transferred to the new
Register on the commencement date. This could result in a business name holder having multiple
business names. In such cases, the owner would be allowed to keep one name and cancel the others at
no cost.
Identical business names with different business name holders will be distinguished by providing
additional information.

2. Additionally, ASIC has the authority to cancel identical business names provided that it can confirm that
the same holder owns multiple identical names.
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