What does the term DBA (Doing Business As) refer to?

The term DBA, or "Doing Business As," refers to a formal name under which a business operates that is different from its registered legal name. This allows businesses to market themselves using a name that may be more recognizable or appealing to the public without needing to form a new legal entity. For example, if a company registered as "Smith Enterprises, Inc." wants to operate under the name "Smith's Landscaping," it would file for a DBA to legally use that name.

This is especially relevant in contexts where businesses may want their trading name to reflect their services or products more directly. Using a DBA can also facilitate marketing and branding efforts, as it can be a more catchy or descriptive name that resonates with customers.