One of the most crucial tasks in launching a new business is selecting a name. The success or failure of your business can be greatly influenced by your company name, which is more than just a label for your products or services. You must first confirm that your proposed business name is accessible before registering it. We’ll go over how to find out if a business name is accessible in this article, along with some pertinent questions. How to Determine Whether a Business Name Is Available
You must first determine whether the business name is available before registering it. Here are some actions to take:
Consult the Secretary of State’s office first. Business name registration is the responsibility of the Secretary of State’s office. By going to the Secretary of State’s website for the state where you intend to conduct business, you can determine whether a business name is available. You may look up available business names on the majority of Secretary of State websites using the company name search tool.
2. Carry out a search for trademarks The company name could not be registerable as a trademark even if it is available in your state. A trademark search might assist you in avoiding any legal problems. To find out if your company name has previously been registered as a trademark, examine the database of the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
3. Verify domain name availability
In the current digital era, practically every business requires a website. Be sure the domain name is available before deciding on your company name. To find out if a domain name is available, try using a search engine like GoDaddy or Namecheap. Negative aspects of a DBA A DBA (Doing Business As) registration enables you to conduct business under a name other than your given legal name. Although using a DBA may seem like a straightforward approach to run your company, there are some drawbacks to take into account:
1. DBA owners are not insulated from personal liability for business debts and obligations by personal asset protection laws. This means that your personal assets may be at danger if your company is sued or goes into debt.
2. No organizational structure An LLC or corporation are examples of legal business structures; a DBA is not. As a result, you won’t have the same legal advantages and tax advantages as these structures. Is hiring a DBA worth the money?
The needs of your company determine whether or not you should hire a DBA. A DBA can be a useful choice if you want to run your business under a name other than your legal identity. However, you should think about creating an LLC or corporation if you desire personal asset protection and a legitimate business structure. Does a DBA submit a different tax return? A DBA doesn’t submit a different tax return. On Schedule C of your personal tax return (Form 1040), you report the business’s earnings and outlays. On your business income, you’ll additionally need to pay self-employment taxes.
How does one trademark a company name? By registering your company name as a trademark, you can safeguard your brand and stop competitors from using a similar name. To trademark a company name, you must take the following actions:
1. Perform a trademark search
2. Submit a trademark application to the USPTO
3. React to any USPTO Office actions
4. Obtain a trademark registration certificate
In conclusion, determining whether a business name is available is a crucial first step in launching a new firm. By visiting the Secretary of State’s website, running a trademark search, and checking domain name availability, you can determine whether a business name is available. Even if using a DBA may be an easy method to run your business, there are some drawbacks to take into account. You must go through the USPTO’s trademark registration process if you wish to trademark your company name.