Generally, If you intend to trade under a name that differs from your company name in any way, you are required to register for a business name.
If you however wish to trade under the same name that your company is registered as, you will not be required to register for a business name.
For example:
If you intend to trade under your company name without the legal element (PTY LTD) then the name must be registered as a business name.
Case Study 1:
You own the company ‘WENDY'S FRUIT SUPRISE PTY LTD’ but you want to trade as ‘WENDY'S FRUIT SUPRISE’ – In this instance, you must register the business name in order to trader without the legal element (PTY LTD).
The same rules apply if you wish to trade under a name that differs from your registered company name completely.
Case Study 2:
You own the company ‘WENDY'S FRUIT SUPRISE PTY LTD’ but you want to trade as ‘MELBOURNE'S BEST FRUIT PLATTERS’ – In this instance, you must register the business name in order to trader under the different name.