A Fictitious Business Name Statement (also known as an FBN or DBA statement) filed with the Orange County Clerk is a legal document that allows individuals or businesses to operate under a name other than their legal name. When someone intends to conduct business using a different name, they are required to file a Fictitious Business Name Statement to inform the public and protect consumers from fraudulent activities. The Orange County Clerk's office provides individuals and businesses with a streamlined process for filing their Fictitious Business Name Statement. This statement is filed to ensure transparency and prevent confusion among consumers and other businesses operating within the same county. There are different types of Fictitious Business Name Statements that can be filed with the Orange County Clerk, depending on the nature of the business and its ownership structure. Some of these different types include: 1. Individual or Sole Proprietorship: This type of Fictitious Business Name Statement is filed when an individual, operating as a sole proprietor, wants to conduct business using a name other than their own legal name. For example, John Doe might file a Fictitious Business Name Statement to operate a landscaping business under the name "Green Thumb Landscaping." 2. Partnership: When two or more individuals come together to form a partnership and wish to operate a business under a name that does not include the full legal names of all partners, they are required to file a Fictitious Business Name Statement. For instance, if Tom Smith and Jane Brown form a law firm called "Smith & Brown Attorneys," they would file a partnership Fictitious Business Name Statement. 3. Corporation or LLC: If a corporation or limited liability company (LLC) wants to operate under a name that is different from its legal entity name, it must file a Fictitious Business Name Statement. For example, if ABC Corporation wants to conduct business as "XYZ Clothing," they would file a Fictitious Business Name Statement specifying that they are operating under the DBA (doing business as) "XYZ Clothing." The Fictitious Business Name Statement filed with the Orange County Clerk typically includes important information such as the business name, address, owner's name and address, and the nature of the business being conducted. It is crucial to keep the Fictitious Business Name Statement current by renewing it within the required timeframes to ensure legal compliance and maintain active status. In summary, the Fictitious Business Name Statement filed with the Orange County Clerk enables individuals and businesses to operate under a name other than their legal name. With various types of Fictitious Business Name Statements available, it is essential to file the appropriate statement based on the ownership structure and nature of the business to ensure compliance with Orange County regulations.