If you start or operate a business in Santa Clara County and use a name different from your legal personal name, California law requires you to file and publish a Fictitious Business Name (FBN) Statement. With four legally adjudicated newspapers of general circulation, Weeklys Media Group is Silicon Valley’s locally-based leader for legal publishing services to businesses in the world’s global technology center.
Publishing your Fictitious Business Name in a legally adjudicated newspaper of general circulation within Santa Clara County ensures compliance with state regulations and informs the public about your business. This important step helps protect consumers, establishes transparency and makes your business identity official. Whether you’re launching a new venture in San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Los Gatos, Cupertino, Palo Alto or any other Santa Clara County community, timely publication of your FBN Statement is essential to staying compliant and building trust with your customers.
How to File and Publish a Fictitious Business Name (FBN) in Santa Clara County
Step 1: Search the Fictitious Business Name Index
Before filing, search the Santa Clara County Fictitious Business Name Index to ensure your desired business name isn’t already in use. This helps avoid conflicts and ensures your name is available.
Step 2: File Your FBN Statement with Santa Clara County
Submit your Fictitious Business Name Statement to the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder’s Office. You can file in person, by mail or online. The statement includes your business name, the business address and the names of the owners. There is a filing fee, which varies depending on the number of business names and owners listed.
Step 3: Receive a Certified Copy
Once your FBN Statement is filed, you’ll receive a certified copy. This is necessary for the next step: publication.
Step 4: Publish in a Legally Adjudicated Newspaper
California law requires that you publish your Fictitious Business Name Statement in a newspaper of general circulation that is legally adjudicated in Santa Clara County. The notice must appear once a week for four consecutive weeks. Newspapers like the Metro Silicon Valley, Morgan Hill Times and Los Gatan are adjudicated for this purpose.
Step 5: Obtain Proof of Publication
After the four-week publication period, the newspaper will provide you with a Proof of Publication, which is filed with the Santa Clara County Clerk to complete the process.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure your FBN in Santa Clara County is properly filed and published, keeping your business compliant with California law.