Checking Business Name Availability
To determine if a name is available, visit the New York Department of State’s Corporation and Business Entity Database and search. If the name you want is already registered as a business in the state, you will need a new name.
LLC Name Search
A unique business name is important for branding. This page will teach you how to look up your LLC name and make sure it’s available to use in New York. If you file your LLC paperwork with a name already used by another New York business entity – or that doesn’t meet the name rules – your filing may be rejected. The first step is to make sure your name is not already taken by another business. You can do this using the Business Entity Database.
When you find an available, memorable business name, take steps to protect it before registering your business. Most states offer business name reservations for 60-120 days. During this reserved time, no other businesses can claim that name. If you plan to expand into other states, check their laws on out-of-state name registration.
No-Cost Name Checks
So, how do you find out if a business name is already registered? With governments providing availability checks for free, all services should have no costs.
Step 1: Check Legal Availability
- Check legal availability of your business name using trademarks and company registers.
In most states, the business filing agency’s website includes an online name check tool. You can use this to search names and find out if another business is already using your chosen name.
Research Process
Where should I search first to see if a name exists? Start with a simple online search using search engines to find similar names in your industry. Check if the domain name is taken across multiple search engines. Search social media sites using variations of the name.
If a similar name exists, avoid legal issues by selecting something different. Research helps create a name that stands out from competition and resonates with your target audience.
State agencies allow checking if a business name’s taken. Search databases or submit a form. If your desired name is taken, use a domain name generator to create something catchy, memorable and available. Checking ensures no naming issues when forming your business entity and saves time and money.
Protecting 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.
Trademark Search
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.
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.