A business name is simply a name or title under which a person, or other legal entity, trades.

If the business structure you have chosen is as a sole trader, a partnership or a trust, and not as a company, then you are required to register your business name in the state or territory in which you will operate. But you don't need to register a business name if you plan to conduct your business under your, or your partner's, first name and surname.

If you are planning to set up your business in more than one state, you need to register your business name separately in each state.

Registration of a business name does not in itself give you any proprietary rights - only a trade mark can give you that kind of protection. Ensure you have exclusive use of your name now and in the future throughout Australia by registering a trade mark.