The first step in creating a great brand is picking the ideal company name. However, you must confirm that a business name is available for use in Alabama before you can begin using it. Like most states, Alabama has a list of company names that are already in use or have been filed for future use. Here are the steps to take in order to determine whether an Alabama business name is available.
The first step is to go to the Business Services area of the Alabama Secretary of State website. The Business Entity Search tool, a free service that enables you to look for company names that are currently registered in the state, is accessible from there.
Enter the desired name into the search field after opening the Business Entity Search tool. A list of all business entities matching the name you gave will be returned by the search. If there are no outcomes, the name is probably still available for use. However, if there are matches, you might need to think about choosing a different name or incorporating a distinctive identifier into the name to set it apart from rival companies.
It’s crucial to look for names that are related as well. Even while you might not find a perfect match for the name you wish to use, there might be names that are similar that could lead to consumer confusion. Consider choosing a name that is distinctive and unlikely to cause confusion with other firms to prevent trademark concerns in the future.
The next step is to register your chosen business name with the state after you have made sure it is available for usage. You can reserve your business name with the Secretary of State in Alabama by submitting a Business Name Reservation form. While you prepare and submit the required documents to incorporate your business entity, this procedure enables you to reserve the name for up to 120 days. How Much Does it Cost in Alabama to Trademark a Name?
Alabama does not have a necessity for trademark registration, but it is an excellent strategy to safeguard your company name and stop others from using it. Depending on the kind of mark you wish to register and the amount of legal support you need, the cost of trademark registration varies. Depending on how many classes you wish to register your trademark in, Alabama trademark applications might cost anywhere from $225 to $400.
The Secretary of State’s business entity database can be searched if you need to locate the owner of an LLC in Alabama. All registered business enterprises in the state are listed in this database, along with the owners’ names and contact details. You can also look up information about a company and its owners using online tools like Dun & Bradstreet or Hoovers. Is my proposed LLC name available in Alabama? Use the procedures given above for determining whether a business name is available to see if your LLC name is available in Alabama. Do not forget to look for names that are similar to yours and think about giving your name a distinctive identifier to set it apart from already existing companies. You can register your LLC with the state by filing Articles of Organization and paying the necessary costs once you have established that the name you choose is available.
Yes, if you are conducting business in Alabama under a name other than your legal name, you must register a trading name (also known as a business name). The Secretary of State’s Office of Alabama is the place to do this. By registering your trading name, you can safeguard your brand and make sure no other company in Alabama is using the same name.