Legal Definitions - fictitious name

A fictitious name refers to any name, other than an individual's legal birth name or a business's officially registered legal name, that is used for identification or operation. It is an assumed name or an alias adopted for various purposes, such as conducting business, artistic expression, or protecting privacy in legal matters.

Examples:

• Example 1: A Sole Proprietor's Business Name
  Maria Rodriguez, a freelance web developer, decides to market her services under the business name "Pixel Perfect Solutions." While her legal identity remains Maria Rodriguez, she uses "Pixel Perfect Solutions" on her website, invoices, and marketing materials. This allows her to create a professional brand identity distinct from her personal name.
  Explanation: "Pixel Perfect Solutions" is a fictitious name because it is an assumed name Maria uses to conduct her business, rather than her personal legal name. Depending on local regulations, she might need to register this fictitious business name (often called a "Doing Business As" or DBA name) with the appropriate government agency.
• Example 2: An Author's Pen Name
  Dr. Eleanor Vance, a university professor specializing in ancient history, writes a series of popular fantasy novels. To keep her academic work separate from her fiction and to appeal to a broader audience, she publishes her novels under the pen name "E.V. Thorne."
  Explanation: "E.V. Thorne" is a fictitious name because it is an assumed identity Dr. Vance uses for her professional writing career, distinct from her legal name. This allows her to maintain separate professional personas and manage her public image in different fields.
• Example 3: A Plaintiff in a Privacy-Sensitive Lawsuit
  In a civil lawsuit involving highly sensitive personal medical information, the court grants the plaintiff permission to proceed under the pseudonym "Patient X" instead of their actual legal name. This measure is taken to protect the plaintiff's privacy and prevent the public disclosure of their private health details.
  Explanation: "Patient X" is a fictitious name used in a legal context to conceal the true identity of the plaintiff. This is often done when the nature of the case or the plaintiff's circumstances warrant protection from public scrutiny, balancing the need for open courts with individual privacy rights.