When starting a new business, one of the most important steps is choosing the right name for your company. However, before you can start using that name, it is important to check whether it is available or not. This is a crucial step because using a name that is already taken can lead to legal issues and confusion among customers. In this article, we will discuss how to check the availability of a company name.
The first step in checking the availability of a company name is to conduct a search of the relevant government website. In the United States, this would be the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The USPTO has a free database called the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS), which allows you to search for registered trademarks. If your desired company name is already registered as a trademark, you will need to choose a different name.
In addition to the USPTO, you should also check the website of the state where you plan to incorporate your business. This is because states maintain their own databases of registered business names. For example, in California, you can search the state's online database of registered businesses. If your desired name is already taken in the state where you plan to incorporate, you will need to choose a different name.
Another important step in checking the availability of a company name is to search for the name online. This includes searching on popular search engines like Google, as well as social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This step is important because even if a name is not registered as a trademark or with the state, someone else may be using it for their business. If this is the case, you will need to choose a different name to avoid confusion among customers.
If you find that your desired company name is not available, you will need to come up with a new name. When choosing a new name, it is important to consider factors like uniqueness, memorability, and ease of pronunciation. You should also conduct a trademark search for your new name to ensure that it is not already registered.
Once you have chosen a name that is available, it is important to secure it as soon as possible. This means registering it as a trademark with the USPTO or with the state where you plan to incorporate your business. This will help protect your name from being used by others and will give you legal rights to use the name in your business.
In conclusion, checking the availability of a company name is an important step in starting a new business. By conducting a search of relevant government websites, searching online, and choosing a unique and memorable name, you can ensure that your business has a name that is legally available and easy for customers to remember and recognize.
