Checking to see if the business is registered with the relevant government body is one of the first things you can do. For instance, firms are normally registered with the state government in the country where they are located. Usually, the state’s secretary of state’s website will provide this information. Businesses can register with Companies House in the UK. You may determine a company’s validity and learn about its main employees and financial figures by looking up its registration.
Searching online for reviews and complaints is another approach to find out if a business is legitimate. Check the company’s social media profiles as well as independent review sites like Yelp or Trustpilot to find customer feedback. Even though every business will probably receive some unfavorable reviews, if this is the case for the vast majority of reviews or if there are a lot of complaints, this could be cause for concern.
It’s crucial to confirm that the brand name you want to use is available before beginning a new company. On the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or the similar office in your nation, you can look up brand name availability. Additionally, it’s critical to confirm that no other company is already using the name. You may be able to steer clear of future legal problems by doing this. Understand the distinction between a trading name and a business name A company may occasionally conduct business under a trading name that is distinct from its legal name. As an illustration, “John Smith Ltd.” might conduct business as “Smith’s Hardware.” It’s critical to comprehend the distinction between a legal name and a trading name. While the trading name is the name the firm uses to conduct business, the legal name is the name of the company as it is listed with the relevant government body. Understanding the difference can help you avoid confusion and have a better understanding of how a company is structured.
Registering Your Business Name as a Trademark And finally, you could be considering whether you should trademark your company name. Even though it is not legally required, trademarking your company name might provide a number of advantages. It can aid with preventing others from using your brand and facilitate the enforcement of your rights if someone does attempt to use your name. Although trademarking can be a time-consuming and expensive procedure, it may be beneficial in the long term.
In conclusion, it takes some investigation and due diligence to determine whether a corporation is legal. You may make an informed choice by researching a company’s registration, looking up reviews and complaints, and knowing the distinction between a trading name and a legal name. If you are launching a new company, make sure to research the availability of brand names and think about trademarking your name for further protection.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) database, which has data on all Australian registered companies, can be searched to find company information in Australia. To confirm the company’s Australian Business Number (ABN) and Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration, you can also check the Australian Business Register (ABR). To learn more about the company’s legal standing and commercial procedures, you can also look for their website or get in touch with their customer care.