I. Introduction
Choosing the perfect name for your business is a crucial aspect of launching a successful venture. A name represents your brand’s identity, mission, and values, making it essential to come up with a memorable one. Unfortunately, coming up with a unique business name can be challenging. Not only do you have to be creative, but you also need to ensure that no one else is using that name and risking legal troubles and branding issues. In this article, we’ll explore several ways of checking if a business name is already taken, providing you with the necessary information to make an informed decision.
II. Conducting a name availability search on the website of the state government where your business is registered
Conducting a name availability search on the website of the state government where you plan to register your business is one of the most reliable ways of checking for a business name’s availability. This search will show if a particular name is already taken by another business registered in the same state. To conduct a name availability search:
- Visit the website of the Secretary of State or the Department of Corporation of the state where you want to register your business
- Look for the section related to business formation or name availability search
- Enter the proposed business name into the search bar and submit your request
- View the results page, which will show if the name is already taken or available for use
It’s important to note that registering a business name with the state government comes with associated fees, which vary depending on the state.
III. Searching on the website of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
If you want additional information about existing trademarks and trade names, you can search the USPTO website. This search will show if there are existing trademarks that are similar enough to your proposed business name that it would cause a likelihood of confusion. Here’s how to conduct a search on the USPTO website:
- Visit the USPTO website and click on the TESS search button under the Trademarks tab
- Enter the proposed business name in the search bar and select the “Basic Word Mark Search” option
- Submit your request and view the search results, which will show if there are any existing trademarks similar to your proposed business name
Keep in mind that registering a trademark with the USPTO comes with associated fees, which can add up over time as you maintain your registration.
IV. Hiring a professional agency to conduct a thorough search
If you’re not confident in conducting a name search on your own, you can hire a professional agency to conduct a thorough search. These agencies specialize in checking and clearing names for businesses, ensuring that your proposed name is unique in the market. Here are a few reputable search agencies that you can consider:
- The Trademark Company
- Name Searching
- Markify
Keep in mind that hiring a professional agency can be expensive, with fees varying based on the scope of the search.
V. Utilizing the resources provided by online incorporation services like LegalZoom
Online incorporation services like LegalZoom can help with conducting a preliminary name search. By entering your desired business name, LegalZoom will let you know whether the name is available in the state you plan to register your business. However, there are some limitations to using these services to conduct a name search, including:
- These searches may not be comprehensive
- You may still need to check for similar names in your industry and geographic location
Keep in mind that using online incorporation services to register a business name comes with associated fees, which can vary depending on the service you use.
VI. Conducting a web search to see if any businesses with the same name already exist in your industry or geographic location
Conducting a web search is an effective way of checking if a business name is already in use. You can search for similar businesses in your industry or geographic location to see if your proposed name is already taken. Here are some tips for conducting an effective web search:
- Use multiple search engines, including Google, Bing, and Yahoo
- Try using different variations of your proposed business name
- Try searching for your proposed business name along with your city or industry
However, relying solely on a web search may not provide you with comprehensive results, and you may miss similar names that could cause legal issues.
VII. Conclusion
Choosing the perfect name for your business is no easy feat. However, by conducting a thorough name search, you can avoid legal issues and establish a memorable brand identity. We’ve provided several ways of checking for a business name’s availability, including conducting a name availability search on the state government website, searching on the US Patent and Trademarks database, hiring a professional agency, utilizing online incorporation services, and conducting a web search. By using these methods and being diligent in your research, you can ensure that your business name is unique and represents your brand effectively.