Making ensuring the company name is available for use before starting a firm needs significant planning and study. Business names are registered with the state government in the United States. Therefore, it is crucial to determine whether a business name is available in the state where the business will be located. To find out if a business name is available, take these steps:
The majority of states maintain an internet database where people can look up registered business names. Visit the Secretary of State website for the state where the business will operate to see if the desired business name is available. You can type the name you want to use in the website’s search bar. You will need to choose an other name if the first one is already taken.
Step 2: Verify the existence of a trademark registration It’s crucial to look for any trademark registrations with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) after searching the state’s database. This verifies that the company name hasn’t already been trademarked, which could result in future legal problems. Use the trademark search tool on the USPTO website to look up trademark registration.
Any firm in the modern digital era needs to have a website. It is crucial to confirm that the domain name for the preferred business name is available. This step makes sure that the company name can be used for email addresses and a website. Online resources for finding domain names abound, including GoDaddy and Namecheap.
Indiana does not need lone proprietors to register their company with the government. Nevertheless, depending on the type of business they run, they might need to acquire a business license or permission. If a license or permit is needed, it is advised to check with the local authorities.
A Certificate of Assumed Business Name must be filed with the Indiana Secretary of State in order to add a DBA (Doing Business As) to an LLC there. There is a cost for filing the form, which can be done either online or by mail. The LLC may use the DBA in addition to the business’s legal name once the application is finalized. It is crucial to understand that changing a DBA does not alter the LLC’s legal makeup.