Under Ohio law, what type of name cannot hold title to real estate?

In Ohio, a fictitious name cannot hold title to real estate because it is not considered a legal entity. A fictitious name, also known as a "doing business as" (DBA), is essentially an alias that businesses may use to operate under a name different from their legal business name. While it can be used for marketing and branding purposes, a fictitious name lacks the legal recognition needed to hold property rights independently. As such, it cannot enter into contracts or conduct business transactions in its own right.

On the other hand, trade names and corporate names are typically used by businesses that have been legally established and are recognized under Ohio law as entities capable of owning property. A legal name refers to the name under which an individual or corporation is formally recognized in the eyes of the law.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for title agents, as ensuring that the correct entity holds title to real estate is fundamental in preventing future disputes and ensuring proper ownership records.