The Senate Economics Legislation Committee recently reviewed draft legislation for a new National Business Names Register (“Register”) proposed to be introduced in May 2012.

The Register is intended to simplify the registration process by providing the following:

• A central online registration facility, which requires businesses to register business names once with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (which will be valid nationwide).

• New businesses with an ABN (instead of the current process requiring a separate application to the Australian Taxation Office).

• A central database for trade mark searches.

The Register is also intended to protect consumers and traders by indentifying the location of businesses named on the Register.

The registration of business names is currently managed by each state and as a result if a business trades in more than one state they must register a business name in each state that they wish to trade.

The National Business Names Register has a planned commencement date of May 2012.

If you have any questions about the proposed National Business Names Register or would like assistance with any other legal business issues, please contact Peter North.