When you’re ready to launch your business, checking if your desired name is available is vital. Start by conducting an internet search to see if anyone else is using it. Next, you’ll need to look at trademark registrations to avoid legal issues. After that, verify the name with your state’s business registry. Exploring domain and social media availability is likewise fundamental. If everything checks out, you can move forward with the registration process. Want to know the best tools to help you?
Key Takeaways
- Start with an internet search using quotes for exact business name matches and check listings on platforms like Yelp and Yellow Pages.
- Use USPTO’s TESS to check for existing trademarks and assess risks from similar names.
- Verify name availability using the Texas Secretary of State’s business name search tool or the Texas Comptroller’s Taxable Entity Search.
- Explore domain and social media availability using registration websites and tools like Namechk or Knowem for comprehensive checks.
- Register your business name by filing necessary paperwork with state authorities and consider trademark registration for added protection.
Start With an Internet Search
When you’re ready to check if your desired business name is available, start with a simple internet search.
Enter your business name into popular search engines like Google, placing quotes around it to find exact matches. This helps you identify if there are any existing businesses using that name or something similar.
Don’t forget to explore business listings on platforms like Yelp and Yellow Pages, in addition to social media, to uncover local or regional usage.
Furthermore, consider using domain name search tools to see if a website with your desired name is already registered.
If you’re in California and forming an LLC, this business name availability check is essential to avoid potential conflicts.
Check Trademark Registrations
Before finalizing your business name, it’s crucial to check trademark registrations to avoid potential legal issues down the road. Start by using the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) to check trademark registrations. Look for both exact matches and similar-sounding names to assess any infringement risks. Don’t forget to check state trademarks, like through the SOS business search in Ohio, as they can likewise pose legal challenges. Review the status of existing trademarks to see if they’re active, abandoned, or canceled. Conduct this search early, as trademark registrations can take months to process, helping you avoid costly rebranding later.
| Search Type | Importance |
|---|---|
| Federal Trademarks | Protects against nationwide use |
| State Trademarks | Addresses local legal challenges |
| Active Registrations | Indicates availability of the name |
| Abandoned/Canceled | May allow for potential registration |
Verify State Business Registry
After checking trademark registrations, it’s important to verify your business name with the state business registry. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Visit the Texas Secretary of State‘s website for a free business name search tool. Use the Texas Comptroller’s Taxable Entity Search by entering your desired name to check in name availability. Consider creating an SOSDirect account for a more thorough search, which costs one dollar per search. Confirm your chosen name adheres to state regulations by including necessary terms like “corporation” or “limited liability company” when relevant.
If you find no matches in the state registry, you can confidently proceed with your registration, confirming your LLC in Texas name search is successful and legally compliant.
Explore Domain and Social Media Availability
Have you checked if your desired business name is available as a domain and on social media platforms?
Start by using domain registration websites like GoDaddy or Namecheap to see if your preferred domain name is taken. Don’t forget to explore various top-level domains (TLDs) to expand your options.
Next, conduct a thorough search on social media platforms to confirm if your name or its variations are already in use. Tools like Namechk or Knowem can help you check availability across multiple networks.
If you find that your desired domain or handle is unavailable, consider alternative spellings, hyphens, or relevant keywords to create a unique option.
Finally, monitor trademark registrations via the USPTO‘s TESS to avoid conflicts in your industry.
Register Your Business Name
Registering your business name is a crucial step in establishing your brand and ensuring that you can legally operate under that name. Here’s how you can do it:
Conduct an Ohio business name check to confirm your desired name is available. File the necessary paperwork with the Ohio Secretary of State for your chosen business structure, ensuring to include the name registration. If you’re using a different name (DBA), file an Assumed Name Certificate with the county clerk’s office where your business operates. Consider trademark registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to protect your brand identity from infringement.
Completing these steps will help you navigate the Ohio trade name search and secure your business name effectively.
Conclusion
In summary, checking the availability of a business name is an essential step before launching your venture. By starting with an internet search, checking trademarks, verifying with your state’s business registry, exploring domain and social media options, and finally registering the name, you make certain that your business can operate without legal issues. Following these five steps will help you establish a strong foundation for your business, allowing you to focus on growth and success.
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This article, “How to Conduct a Business Name Availability Check in 5 Easy Steps” was first published on Small Business Trends
