Business Registration

If you're want to set up a business or company there are a number of things you need to consider.

Structure - what's going to work best for you and your intentions and what will your legal and tax liabilities be. Don't forget about insurance.

Name - what do you want to call it? Are there any similar business names out there that could confuse your customers or cause you any liability?

Name Availability - So you've thought of a great name but is it available to be registered and can you get the corresponding web site name for it? Also think about what logo, if any, will be associated with your new business name.

Web site names - .com.au and .net.au are the two main ones businesses use in Australia, however many use .com or .net which are perfectly acceptible.

Trademarks - Most businesses don't have a problem with trademarks but it's wise to check anyway. Of course your possible liability will depend on what your business is going to do.

Company structures
Sole Trader	A sole trader is the simplest business structure and consists of an individual trading on their own.
Partnership	A partnership is formed when two or more people (up to 20) go into business together with a view to making a profit.
Proprietory Limited Company	A company is an independent legal entity able to do business in its own right.
Co-Operative	Co-operatives are businesses that are member-owned, controlled and used.
Incorporated Association	An association is an alternative to forming a company for small non-profit groups.
Trust	A trust is a business structure whereby the trustee holds property and earns and distributes income on behalf of the beneficiaries.
Business Names	Check availability from A.S.I.C. database	Link
Register a business name	ACT | NT | NSW | QLD | SA | VIC | TAS | WA
ABN number check	Check an ABN of a company (not all companies have ABNs so you need to check above to get a true picture)	Link
Web site name	Check availability of web site name (also called domain name) Australian - .com.au .net.au .org.au USA - .com .net .org	Link
Trademarks - Australia	Check trademarks from IP Australia It is designed to help trade mark applicants to search for similar trade marks, providing all the most important details of trade marks in our database	Link
Trade Marks - International		Link