Finding the perfect name for your business is a serious undertaking. The naming process involves more than trying to find a name that all the stakeholders like. The right name is one that everyone can get excited about—and one that is not already taken by another company.
How to Check Business Name Availability
Why you need to check if a business name is available. A company name can be protected at the local, state, federal, or international level. You’ll want to check business name availability at each level to ensure your company name isn’t taken.
Methods to Check Business Name Availability
- How to Check if a Name is Trademarked with US Patent & Trademark Office
- How to See if a Business Name Is Taken on the Secretary of State Website
- How to Perform a Local Business Entity Search
- How to Check Domain Availability
- How to Check if a Name Is Available for Business on Social Media
Is my business name taken? Choosing an appropriate name for your business is a milestone. The chosen name should reflect your branding and the emotions you want to associate with it. It should also be easy to remember. As such, the last thing you want is to find out a great name is already in use. Customers will have difficulty connecting your company with another that has the same name.
Checking DBAs is the first thing you should do. A search for fictitious business names and company registrations can be conducted on your state’s Secretary of State website.
In conclusion, finding out if a company name is taken is crucial. By searches in databases and seeking expert advice, you can choose a name that is unique, legally available, and aligned with your brand vision.