How to Know Business Name Availability
You’re ready to start up your business and you have your business plan ready, as well as your business name too. Now, you’re just curious on if the business name is taken or not.
It’s awfully important that you know if the business name isn’t take, because just like a .com name online, if someone else has it, you’re not going to be able to take it. Remember, there are a lot of business owners out there and that name could be taken.
How do I know if the business name is taken?
Check for the trademark: The first thing that you’re going to do is make sure that there isn’t a Trademark with that particular name. For instance, you can’t take McDonalds, or Subway, or something along those lines. Those names are trademarked and you won’t be able to include them in your name. If you do, you will most likely face legal issues. This is something that you don’t want!
Search from home: Do a quick Google search on the name that you’re thinking about using. Does anything pop up? If you see something such as XYZ Company, LLC pop up, there’s a good chance that the name is taken. What you’re going to want to do is just play it safe and assume that its gone. You will want to scratch it off your list.
Check with your county: Since you’re going to have to register your name in your state, you’re going to want to check with your county clerk office. Make sure that the name is available there. If its not taken, its a green light. If someone else has it, you’re going to have to pick out another one. Some states will allow you to search from their websites.
What you will find out is that if your name is very similar to another business name, they may not let you choose it. If you want XYZ and there’s a company named XYY, you’re not going to be able to use it more than likely.
If you’re having a hard time with registering your business name, I would advise you that you get together with an accountant or another legal professional that will be able to walk you on the right path. You’re just going to want to make sure that you’re not getting into any law troubles.
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