You will want to check the county clerk/recorder's office where the business is to find out the business owner's name. You will be looking up Fictitious Business Name (FBN) records. The records will show that the business could be owned by a person or another type of business.
A fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it is filed in the County Clerk. A refile of a fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to the date of expiration if you intend to continue doing business under that name and if there are no changes from the original.
How to do a business name search in California: Visit the California Business Search. Scroll down and enter all or part of your business name in the Search bar. Click the down arrow for Advanced Search. Filter by keyword, exact match, or “begins with.” Click “Search.”
Depending on the entity type you choose, it may be necessary to register the entity with the California Secretary of State. Corporations, LLCs, LPs and LLPs must comply with statutory name requirements. Businesses that involve activities that require professional or vocational licenses may have additional requirements.
Under California state law, a DBA is referred to as a fictitious business name, or FBN. California sole proprietors, general partnerships, LLCs, and corporations can use a California DBA to establish a brand, increase brand awareness, and maintain their business's public image.
How to check business name availability Perform a simple internet search. One of the fastest and easiest ways to check whether a business name is available is to use a search engine. Check with your Secretary of State. Try a DBA search. Run a USPTO trademark search. Use an online business formation service.
For example, an apartment complex may be owned by a company, “Apartment Investment, LLC” but the property owner may do business under the name “Sunny Days Apartments”. Property managers also often use fictitious business names in connection with their businesses.