Is a Company Name Taken? How to Check and What to Do

The process of picking a name for your small business may be both thrilling and overwhelming. The last thing you want to find out is that the name you came up with is already being used by another firm after spending hours brainstorming, coming up with a name you adore, and picturing it on your website and business cards. What should you do if a company name is already used and how can you check whether it is? How to Determine if a Company Name Is Already Taken

1. Search the database of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): A database of registered trademarks and service marks is kept up to date by the USPTO. If your preferred name has already been registered as a trademark by another business, you can check this database for free.

2. Visit the website of your state’s secretary of state: On their Secretary of State website, the majority of states include a search engine for corporate entities. This tool can be used to look up existing companies with the same or a similar name.

3. Perform a Google search: You can also find out if there are any rival companies with the same or similar names to yours by performing a simple Google search. This can also help you get a sense of the market rivalry you might encounter. What to Do If Your Wanted Name Is Already Taken

1. Pick a different name: While it may be upsetting to part with a name you adore, there are situations when it is important to do so in order to prevent future legal complications.

2. Take into account adding a geographic or industry-specific description: If the name you desire is already used, you may want to take into account adding a descriptor to distinguish your company from the competition. Try “Smith & Co. NYC” or “Smith & Co. Consulting” instead, for instance, if “Smith & Co.” is already taken.

3. Register a name trademark: You can submit an application for a trademark with the USPTO if you currently have a strong brand and want to safeguard your name. But be aware that this might be an expensive and time-consuming process.

No, the same name cannot be trademarked by different businesses. A specific business is given a trademark in order to safeguard its brand and avoid market confusion. Any attempt by another business to trademark the same name will probably be rejected. Which is preferable, LLC or Inc?

Your company’s needs and goals will determine whether you should incorporate (Inc.) or form a limited liability corporation (LLC). While corporations provide faster access to capital and better security for personal assets than LLCs do, the latter offer greater management and tax flexibility. To choose the strategy that is ideal for your company, you need speak with legal and financial experts.

Yes, it is conceivable for two companies to share an address, particularly if they are housed in the same building or office space. To minimize confusion and guarantee effective mail delivery, it is crucial to make sure that each firm has its own suite or unit number.