Companies listed in the Commercial Register have the option of adding one or more trade names. A trade name may differ from the official name of the business. The official name is recorded in the Articles of Association and cannot be changed very easily (unless the Articles of Association are amended by a civil-law notary). As a business, you can help the general public distinguish between your operations with trade names, for example, by using different trade names for different operations.
Check the trade name
In some cases, certain trade names are prohibited or not recommended. For instance, if a trade name is identical to one that is already listed in the Bonaire register (or looks very similar), we recommend you choose another name. The same applies to well-known and/or protected names. For instance, we advise not using the names Apple, Samsung, Shell, McDonalds, etc. even though those company names are not listed in the Bonaire register. Those names are registered trade names and consequently protected by law. If you do choose a name like that, however, you can expect legal consequences to follow very soon, from a company whose name you are using.
You can ask the Chamber of Commerce to check the trade name you have chosen; this service costs 30 USD. When a legal entity (e.g. a private/public company or a foundation) is incorporated at a civil-law notary office, the check is included in the price as a standard.
For trademarks and designs registration you can contact BOIP | CaribIE