Initial Search and Reservation
Visit the USPTO.gov website and choose the basic search option to begin checking if a business name is taken in Hawaii. Use the Hawaii Business Name Search tool to check availability. You can use the search filters on the results page to break long lists into more manageable sections by changing the records searched from "ALL" to "Entity," "Pending Filing," "Reservation," etc.
If you’re not ready to form your LLC immediately, Hawaii allows you to reserve a business name until you’re prepared for the business formation process. This reservation process is a step to take before full registration.
Naming Regulations and Registration
While there’s no rule against naming a corporation after yourself, most experts advise against doing this. Use Hawaii’s naming rules to ensure your name is distinct enough to prevent conflict with existing business names.
Once availability is confirmed and you’ve followed the naming rules, you can register your LLC name. When registering, the first step is to choose a unique legal entity name, which will serve as the official identifier for your company within the state.
Trademarks and Trade Names
A Trade Name, also known as "Doing Business As" (DBA), Assumed Name, or Fictitious Name, is a name used by a business that is different from the legal name of the business. After securing your business name, you can choose to apply for a trademark for your business to provide nationwide brand protection under federal law.
To start, check if the general business name is available by using Google. Then proceed to check business name availability at USPTO.gov and your state’s Secretary of State office.
To check if a company is legally registered, you should use official state resources to ensure accurate information.
The text does not provide specific costs associated with registering a business name in Hawaii. Please consult the appropriate state resources for current pricing.