Trade Name Laws

The following laws are from Iowa Code - Chapter 547.

Section 547.1

Use of Trade Name – Verified Statement Required. It shall be unlawful for any person or co-partnership to engage in or conduct a business under any trade name, or any assumed name of any character other than the true surname of each person or persons owning or having any interest in such business, unless such person or persons shall first record with the county recorder of the county in which the business is to be conducted a verified statement showing the name, post office address, and residence address of each person owning or having any interest in the business, and the address where the business is to be conducted.

Section 547.2

Change in Statement. Alike verified statement shall be recorded of any change in ownership of the business, or persons interested therein, or a dissolution of the business, and the original owners shall be liable for all obligations until such certificate of change is recorded.

Section 547.3

Fee for Recording. The county recorder shall charge and receive a fee in the amount specified in section 331.604 for each verified statement recorded under this chapter.

Section 547.4

Penalty. Any person violating the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be punishable by a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $100, or by imprisonment in the county jail for a term not exceeding 30 days.

Section 547.5

“Offense” Defined. Each day that any person or persons violate the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to be a separate and distinct offense.