Starting a business involves numerous decisions. One of the most critical aspects is choosing a unique and compelling business name.

Your business name serves as your brand identity and sets the foundation for your marketing efforts. You want a name that stands out, resonates with your target audience, and sets you apart from the competition.

Indeed, 88% of consumers claim that authenticity is key when deciding the brands they like and support.

However, before finalizing your business name, it’s crucial to ensure that it’s not being used by another company.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of checking if your chosen business name is already in use.

Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Business Name Availability

How do you ascertain that your chosen name isn’t already in use by another business? Let’s explore the step-by-step process to establish that your chosen business name is available:

Step 1: Preliminary Research

Before diving into formal registration processes, start with preliminary research to get an initial idea of the availability of your desired business name. Here are a few actions you can take:

Online Search: Begin by conducting a comprehensive search on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. Enter your desired business name in the search bar and analyze the results. Check if existing businesses or websites are using the same or similar names.

An online search will give you an idea of the competition and help you determine if your desired business name is distinctive enough.

Business Directories: Explore online directories such as Yelp and Yellow Pages to see if there are any businesses listed with names similar to yours.

These directories often provide contact information and details about the listed businesses, allowing you to gather more information about potential conflicts.

Domain Availability: Visit domain registration platforms and check if the domain name associated with your business name is available. These include the ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) Registration Data Lookup and domain registrars.

Social Media Handles: Social media platforms play a significant role in digital marketing. Check if the desired usernames or handles associated with your business name are available on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others.

If they aren’t, it’s better to choose a different business name to avoid confusion among your customers.

Step 2: Government Databases and Trademark Search

If your preliminary research has turned up nothing, proceed to check government databases. These databases provide comprehensive information about registered businesses and trademarks. You can explore the following options:

Secretary of State Database: Visit the website of your state’s Secretary of State or a relevant government agency responsible for business registration.

Most states maintain online databases where you can search for existing business entities. Enter your desired business name in the provided search field and review the results. Ensure there are no identical or similar names registered within your state.

Also, you can check it with an LLC formulation company that provides LLC formulation services in different states such as Inc Authority. This agency can help you set up an LLC in Arizona, Ohio, California, and other states for free.

United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): The USPTO maintains a comprehensive trademark database. Visit their official website and use their trademark database called the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS).

By conducting a search on TESS, you can see if any trademarks are registered that could conflict with your desired business name.

Trademarks provide legal protection for intellectual property, so it’s essential to ensure that your business name doesn’t infringe upon an existing trademark.

County Clerk’s Office Search: Your county clerk’s office is a valuable resource to explore when it comes to conducting a fictitious business name or “Doing Business As” (DBA) search.

This office plays a crucial role in maintaining records related to business registrations within a specific county. By searching it, you can gather valuable information about existing businesses and ensure a chosen DBA isn’t already in use.

International Trademark Databases: If you plan to expand your business internationally or target specific countries, consider conducting trademark searches in relevant international trademark databases. An example is the Global Brand Database.

This step is crucial to verify your business name doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks beyond the United States.

Step 3: Professional Legal Advice

Perhaps you’d like to enjoy complete peace of mind and avoid any legal complications. If that’s you, it’s advisable to consult with a legal professional specializing in intellectual property and trademark law.

An experienced attorney or even an LLC formation service like Incfile can be of great help here. From business name search to registration, they can help you through it all.

GovDicFiling published an Incfile review and you can read this detailed review to figure out if it’s the right service for you. They can also help:

• Provide you with expert guidance
• Conduct a thorough trademark search
• Check if your business name is already in use
• Help you navigate legal issues surrounding business names and trademarks

Why Checking for an Existing Business Name Matters

Wondering why you should check if your business name is already in use? Here’s why doing due diligence matters:

Avoiding Legal Issues

Using a name that’s already in use can lead to legal complications. Firstly, you might not be able to register the name. Second, trademark infringement is a serious offense. It can lead to costly legal battles, damage to your reputation, and potential financial losses.

By conducting thorough research, you can confirm your chosen business name is unique and doesn’t violate any existing trademarks.

Establishing Brand Differentiation

Having a unique name helps you stand out in the competitive market. It allows you to establish your brand identity and ensures that customers can easily distinguish your business from others.

Checking for conflicts with existing business names helps guarantee your brand is distinct and memorable.

Building Credibility and Trust

A well-researched and unique name enhances your credibility and builds trust among your target audience. When customers come across your name, they should perceive it as reliable, professional, and trustworthy.

Avoiding confusion with existing businesses helps create a positive impression right from the start.

Secure Your Unique Business Name

By following the step-by-step guide we’ve outlined and conducting thorough research, you can secure a unique name. This should be a name that resonates with your audience and sets your brand on the path to success.

Remember, choosing a distinctive and legally available business name is a crucial step toward establishing a strong brand identity. It also helps build credibility in the marketplace.

Take the time to research and verify your business name’s availability, then confidently move forward with your entrepreneurial journey.

Author Bio:

Brett Shapiro is a co-owner of GovDocFiling. He had an entrepreneurial spirit since he was young. He started GovDocFiling, a simple resource center that takes care of the mundane, yet critical, formation documentation for any new business entity.