What does 'd/b/a' stand for in legal terms?

The term 'd/b/a' stands for "doing business as." It is a legal designation used to indicate that a person or entity is conducting business under a name that is different from their legal, registered name. This is important for various reasons, including taxation, registration, and legal documentation. For instance, a sole proprietor might operate a coffee shop under the name "Sunny Beans," but their legal name is "John Doe." In such a case, John would use "d/b/a Sunny Beans" to show that he is conducting business under that name while still being recognized legally as John Doe.

Understanding this term helps clarify the relationship between the official entity name and the public-facing business name, which can be important for contracts, legal proceedings, and consumer recognition. This distinction is key for anyone engaging in business activities to ensure compliance with local regulations and clarity in business transactions.