Amendments to DTAO No. 80 on Business Names

Any natural person at least 21 years old or any juridical person not disqualified by law may apply.
Juridical persons already registered with the SEC using only their legal registered name need not register under the Business Name Law.
Applications must be filed with the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection or DTI Provincial Offices using prescribed forms.

Natural persons must submit two passport-sized photos taken within one year.
Corporations/partnerships must provide certified copies of Articles of Incorporation/partnership and SEC registration certificates.
Renewal applicants may waive documents if there were no amendments, with certification to that effect.
Foreign applicants must submit Alien Certificate of Registration and Board of Investments registration.
Small manufacturers/processors with capital not exceeding P5,000 must provide retail trade permits.
Proof of Filipino citizenship must be submitted by naturalized or elected Filipino citizens.
Compliance with the Bulk Sales Law is required if goods were acquired outside the ordinary course of trade.
The Director may request additional documents to protect government and public interests.

Names representing illegal, immoral, scandalous activities, or contrary to propriety.
Names inimical to state security.
Names confusingly similar to existing registered business names, considering business nature, products, location, capitalization, spelling, sound, meaning.
Names that cannot be appropriated by law.
Names suggesting quality that are descriptive or generic in nature.
Government names used in official functions.
Names/abbreviations of nations or international organizations without authorization.
Misleading business names regarding the nature of the business.
Use of franchise agreements allowed for same names, assuring compliance with quality standards.

Use of prohibited names as specified above.
False statements in registration applications.
Non-use of registered names visibly for 90 days post-registration.
Cancellation of business licenses or change of business inconsistent with registered name.
Use in business activities endangering state security.
Use for immoral or illegal business purposes.
Failure to operate business within six months from registration.
Expired registrations not renewed within six months will be cancelled following public notice.

Certificate of registration is valid only at the address on record.
Separate registration is required for each branch office opened.
Written notice must be given to DTI of change in address or line of business within 10 days.

The rules take effect immediately upon publication in two newspapers of general circulation.