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. It also informs the public about your business. This important step protects 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 another Santa Clara County community, timely publication of your FBN Statement is essential. It helps you stay compliant and build trust with your customers.
How to File and Publish a Fictitious Business Name (FBN) in Santa Clara County
Step 1: Search the Index
First, search the Santa Clara County Fictitious Business Name Index. That ensures your desired business name isn’t already in use and avoids potential conflicts.
Step 2: Complete your Santa Clara County Fictitious Business Name form in black ink.
The second page of the form contains instructions on how to complete the form.
Step 3: File Your FBN Statement with Santa Clara County
Next, submit your completed form to the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder’s Office. File in person, by mail or online. The statement includes your business name, the business address and the names of the owners. The filing fee varies depending on the number of business names and owners listed.
Step 4: Receive a Certified Copy
Once your FBN Statement is filed, the clerk provides a certified copy. This is necessary for the next step: publication.
Step 5: Publish in a Legally Adjudicated Newspaper
California law requires that you publish your Fictitious Business Name Statement in a newspaper of general circulation. For this purpose, the court has adjudicated newspapers like Metro Silicon Valley, Morgan Hill Times and the Los Gatan. The notice must appear once a week for four consecutive weeks.
Step 5: Obtain Proof of Publication
As a final step, after the four-week publication period, the newspaper provides you and the Santa Clara County Clerk’s office with a Proof of Publication.
Follow these steps and ensure that your FBN in Santa Clara County complies with California law.