To see if your desired business name is still available, conduct an LLC name search.
Importance of a Unique LLC Name
Your LLC’s name needs to be unique and memorable for customers, as well as act as the legal name on your business’s formal documents. You’ll use this name for everything from setting up your business’s bank account and signing contracts to representing yourself in legal cases. The name generally has to include "Limited Liability Company" or "LLC".
You should check with the secretary of state and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s database to determine if a particular LLC name is available. When choosing a name, keep in mind it should be easy to remember and spell, and convey the nature of your business.
State Requirements and Ensuring Distinctiveness
Understanding state LLC naming requirements is important, as every state has its own rules. Doing a secretary of state business search helps ensure your name isn’t taken at the state level, but also plan to search state and federal trademarks to uncover trademarks that might not show up in a web search.
A great LLC name should be unique, memorable, and representative of your brand’s values and offerings. The name you select should be distinguishable from all existing entities in your state. Your clients or customers should be able to distinguish your company from other companies. A name that describes the services you offer can reduce advertising efforts. Your business needs an online presence to thrive.