To avoid legal issues, check if your desired business name is available before registering it. Search state and federal databases to see if another business has claimed your name. Using dedicated searches reveals if similar names exist. Checking thoroughly protects you if someone later claims your name infringes on their trademark.
Consult your state’s business name availability checker. State agencies regulate name registration, so verify no identical or very similar names are taken. For example, if "Big Al’s Balloons" exists in your state, you likely cannot register "Big Al’s Balloon Supplies." The process is normally free.
Verify name availability using the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) electronic search system. Failing to search trademarks risks infringement charges. If someone adopts your name after you’ve established it, politely ask them to change it. If that fails, you can legally compel them since registering federally trademarks your name.
Besides ensuring availability, choose a name representing your brand and resonating with target customers. While changing your name later is possible, doing so can prove complicated and expensive. Establish an appropriate, memorable name from the outset that distinguishes your business.
How to Check Business Name Availability
To avoid legal issues, verify your desired business name is available before registering it. Search state and federal databases to ensure no other business has claimed your name. Dedicated searches reveal similar names exist. Thoroughly checking protects you if someone later claims your name infringes their trademark.
Verify name availability using your state’s business name checker. State agencies regulate registration, so ensure no identical or very similar names are taken. If "Big Al’s Balloons" exists in your state, you likely cannot register "Big Al’s Balloon Supplies." The process is normally free.
Also verify name availability using the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s electronic search system. Failing to search trademarks risks infringement charges. If someone later adopts your established name, politely request they change it. If that fails, legally compel them to change it since registering federally trademarks your name.
Besides ensuring availability, choose a name representing your brand and resonating with target customers. While changing your name later is possible, doing so can prove complicated and expensive. Initially establish an appropriate, memorable name distinguishing your business.
Dealing with Business Name Conflicts
How do I find a business name that hasn’t been taken?
How do I find a business name that hasn’t been taken? Start by checking if the name is available by using Google. Then check business name availability at USPTO.gov and your Secretary of State office to ensure no other business has claimed your name.
What do you do if someone copies your business name?
What do you do if someone copies your business name? First, reach out and politely inform them you own the trademark. They might change it without legal conflict because no business wants to start with trouble. If that doesn’t work, file your trademark with the USPTO. That will give you authority to take legal action, which is expensive and should only be undertaken after attempting settlement out of court.
How do you find out if a business name is trademarked?
How do you find out if a business name is trademarked? Check government registers and the USPTO’s electronic search system. These searches are normally free. Some web-services charge for personalized searches beyond simple, automated access to government services. These extra costs are left out here to keep your starting costs low.
In conclusion, checking if a business name is taken is important when forming a new entity. You want to ensure choosing a unique name that doesn’t violate trademarks. This way, you can properly market your business.