When launching a new business, choose a name is an important first step. Your company’s name serves as the public face of your brand and communicates its essence. What happens, though, if you discover that someone else is already using your intended business name? Is it still functional?
The solution is not obvious. In general, if someone else has already registered a business name, you cannot use the same name. No two firms in the same state or nation may have the same name, thanks to the registration process. There are, however, several exclusions to this rule.
You might be permitted to use the same name in your area if the competing business is located in a different state or nation. This is due to the fact that business registration is frequently handled at the state or national level. You might be able to use the name if the competing company hasn’t registered it there.
Alternatively, if the rival company has given up on using its name. This indicates that the name is now available for use by someone else as they are no longer using it for their company. However, it’s crucial to do your homework to be sure there are no legal repercussions before using a name that has been abandoned.
How Can You Tell if a Business Has an IRS Registration? Businesses are not registered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The state is where businesses register themselves. You can check the state’s business registration database to see if a particular business is registered there. However, you can utilize the IRS EIN Assistant tool to find out if a company has an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
Yes, the Limited Liability Company’s (LLC) owner is a subject of public record. The names and addresses of each member (owner) of the LLC must be provided when the LLC is registered. The database of business registrations maintained by the state is accessible to the general public and contains this information.
You can search the business registration database of the state or nation where you intend to register your business to see if a company name has already been registered. To check if a business name is available in the United States, use the Secretary of State’s website. To find out if the name has already been trademarked by another party, you can also run a trademark search.
In conclusion, selecting a company name necessitates thought and research. While it is feasible to utilize a name that already exists, it is normally advised to use a different name to prevent legal concerns and marketplace confusion. It is possible to make sure that your business name is secured and accurately reflects your brand identity by checking the availability of a name and legally registering your firm.