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To check if a business name is taken in the U.S., complete the following steps:
Landing on the perfect business name can feel like striking gold. It fits your brand, the domain looks promising, and you can already picture it on your website. Then, you discover someone else got there first.
This situation is common, but it’s also avoidable. Taking a few minutes to check availability before nailing down your final choice can save you time and a major rebrand later. This guide explains how to check if a business name is taken, what to look for, and what you can do if your perfect name isn’t on the table.
Before diving into researching, there are a few important terms you need to know:
There are six steps you need to take to confirm that your desired business name is available. They’re pretty straightforward, but take your time; missing a step could leave your new business legally and financially vulnerable.
Start with a Google search for your proposed business name using both an exact match (for example, “Blue Oak Bakery”) and a broader search without quotation marks (Blue Oak Bakery). This helps you find businesses with the same name as well as similar variations. Check the first few pages of results, Google Maps, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and major business directories.
Why this matters: An internet search won’t tell you if a name is legally available, but it can help you spot potential conflicts early. The USPTO recommends conducting a comprehensive search before filing a trademark application, starting with existing trademarks and other sources that could reveal conflicting names.
Your business name and your domain name should work together, so check domain availability early in the naming process. Use the GoDaddy Domain Search tool below to see if your preferred domain is available.
If the domain you want isn’t available and you don’t want to try other variations of it, you can try to buy it from the current owner through GoDaddy’s Domain Broker Service.
Why this matters: A matching domain helps customers find and remember your business online. Your domain name is separate from your business registration, so securing one doesn’t automatically reserve the other. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recommends treating your domain name as its own form of registration and notes that many small businesses use the same name across their entity, trademark, DBA, and domain to build a consistent brand.
A business name can be available in your state and still infringe on someone else’s trademark. Search the USPTO trademark database to see if your proposed name, or a confusingly similar one, is already registered or pending. Look for similar spellings, pronunciations, and industries, not just exact matches.
Why this matters: Registering your business with a state doesn’t give you trademark rights. According to the USPTO, a federal trademark search can help identify potential conflicts before you invest in branding or file a trademark application.
Search your state’s business entity database to see if your proposed name is already registered. Most states offer a free online search through the Secretary of State or a similar business filing agency. Search for exact matches as well as close matches.
Why this matters: The SBA notes that entity names are governed by state law, and each state has its own rules for registering and protecting business names. Most states won’t allow you to register an entity name that’s already in use or too similar to an existing business.
If you’re considering starting an LLC specifically, read our guide about the pros and cons of forming LLCs.
Sole proprietors and partnerships often register a doing business as (DBA) or fictitious business name with a county or local government. Search the area where you plan to do business (through official government resources) to see if your proposed name is already in use. If your state handles DBA registrations at the state level instead of the county level, your Secretary of State or business filing office should provide instructions.
It’s also a good idea to check trade associations and industry-specific directories relevant to your field. Sometimes businesses are listed in these specialized databases, but might not show up in general searches. For example, healthcare providers can check professional licensing boards, and contractors can search local builder associations or trade organizations.
Why this matters: Specialized directories can reveal established businesses that don’t rank prominently in search engines but still operate in your industry. The Library of Congress recommends using business directories as part of company research because they provide current information on businesses that may not be easily found elsewhere.
Even if you’re starting local, you may want to think ahead to the future in your search for business names. If you plan to expand internationally or sell online, you’ll want to check if your business name is available in other countries where you might do business in the future.
A good starting point is the WIPO Global Brand Database, which lets you search trademark records from multiple countries in one place. Then, search the trademark registry for each country or region where you plan to do business, such as the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) or the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO). Finally, check local business or company registers, since business name registrations and trademark registrations are separate in many countries.
Why this matters: Trademark protection varies by country, so a name that’s available in the U.S. may already be protected elsewhere. WIPO recommends searching for existing and pending trademarks in your target markets before filing an international trademark application and advises consulting a trademark attorney or agent if you need help avoiding conflicts.
You know how to check if a business name is taken, but why should you spend your time on it? There are a lot of reasons, but the three most important are that a business name check helps you stay compliant, avoid legal trouble, and stand out from competitors.
A business name check helps you avoid choosing a name you can’t legally register. While the rules vary by state, most states require business entities to use a name that’s distinguishable from existing businesses on record. If your proposed name is already in use or too similar to another registered entity, your formation documents may be rejected, forcing you to choose a new name and restart the registration process.
Each state also has its own rules for naming businesses. Your local SCORE office is a good resource if you need some guidance.
A business name search also helps you identify potential trademark conflicts before they become expensive problems. Trademarks protect brand names used to identify specific goods or services, so another business may already have legal rights to a name that’s the same as, or confusingly similar to, yours.
Launching with a name that infringes on an existing trademark can lead to cease-and-desist letters, legal disputes, and the cost of rebranding after you’ve already invested in your website, marketing materials, and signage. Taking the time to search for trademarks early gives you a better chance of choosing a name you can confidently build your brand around.
Your business name is often the first impression customers have of your brand. Choosing a name that’s unique helps customers recognize, remember, and recommend your business, while reducing the chances they’ll confuse you with another company offering similar products or services.
A thorough business name search can also reveal businesses with similar branding, even if they’re located in another city or state. That allows you to refine your name before launching and build a stronger, more distinctive brand that can grow with your business.
Finding out your favorite business name is unavailable can be frustrating, but it doesn’t always mean you have to start over. The next step depends on why the name isn’t available.
No matter which situation you encounter, don’t assume you can use the name just because one search came back clear. Some businesses may have common law trademark rights, meaning they can acquire legal rights through commercial use even without a federal trademark registration.
When researching a business name, don’t stop with an exact match. Search for common variations that could create confusion with your brand, including:
For example, your search queries could look like:
(“Blue Oak Bakery” OR “Blue-Oak Bakery” OR “BlueOak Bakery”) site:linkedin.com
(“Blue Oak Bakery” OR “Blue Oaks Bakery” OR “Bleu Oak Bakery”) (bakery OR bread OR pastries)
Remember, your business name is only one part of your identity. If your first choice isn’t available, it may be an opportunity to find a brand name that’s even more distinctive and memorable.
Choosing a business name is one of the most exciting parts of starting a business, but it’s also one of the most important. Spending a little extra time researching your name now can save you from legal issues, costly rebranding, and customer confusion later.
Once you’ve confirmed your business name is available, take the next step by securing your domain name before someone else does. With GoDaddy’s Domain Search tool, you can quickly check availability, explore domain options, and claim the online home for your new business.
There isn’t a single database that confirms whether a business name is available. You’ll need to search several sources, including search engines, the USPTO trademark database, your state’s Secretary of State business entity search, county DBA records (if applicable), domain availability, and social media platforms.
Can I check if a business name is available for free?
Yes, most business name searches are free. You can search Google, social media platforms, the USPTO trademark database, state business entity databases, and many county DBA databases at no cost. You can also use GoDaddy’s Domain Search tool to check whether a domain name is available before deciding whether to register it.
Can you have the same name as another business?
Sometimes. It depends on where the business operates, how the name is being used, and whether trademark rights exist. For example, two businesses in different states may be able to use the same name if there isn’t a trademark conflict and state registration rules allow it.
However, using the same or a similar name can confuse customers, make it harder to build brand recognition, and create challenges when securing a domain name, social media handles, or trademark protection. Because of this, it’s usually best to have a distinctive name.
How do I change my business name?
Changing your business name typically involves filing the appropriate paperwork with your state or local business registration office, updating your licenses and permits, notifying the IRS if required, and revising your branding, website, and marketing materials. Before making the change official, repeat the same business name availability checks you would for a new business to make sure your new name is available and doesn’t conflict with existing trademarks or registrations.
The post How to check if a business name is taken appeared first on GoDaddy Blog.
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- Search the web and social media
- Check domain availability
- Search the USPTO trademark database
- Look up your state’s Secretary of State business records
- Review county DBA or fictitious name registrations
- If you plan to operate internationally, search the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) database
Landing on the perfect business name can feel like striking gold. It fits your brand, the domain looks promising, and you can already picture it on your website. Then, you discover someone else got there first.
This situation is common, but it’s also avoidable. Taking a few minutes to check availability before nailing down your final choice can save you time and a major rebrand later. This guide explains how to check if a business name is taken, what to look for, and what you can do if your perfect name isn’t on the table.
Business name check glossary
Before diving into researching, there are a few important terms you need to know:
- Business entity: A legal structure recognized by a state, such as an LLC, corporation, or partnership.
- DBA (Doing Business As): A registered name that allows a business to operate under a name different from its legal business name. Also called a fictitious business name, assumed name, or trade name in some states.
- Domain name: The web address customers use to find your website.
- Entity name: The official legal name registered with a state’s business filing agency.
- Secretary of State: The state agency that typically handles business entity registrations and maintains searchable business name databases.
- Trademark: A word, phrase, logo, or other identifier that distinguishes the source of goods or services and may be protected under state or federal law.
- Trademark infringement: Using a name or brand that is identical or confusingly similar to another protected trademark in a way that could cause consumer confusion.
- USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office): The federal agency responsible for registering trademarks and maintaining the U.S. trademark database.
- WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization): An international organization that administers intellectual property treaties and provides tools, including the Global Brand Database, for searching trademark records from multiple countries.
How to check business name availability step by step
There are six steps you need to take to confirm that your desired business name is available. They’re pretty straightforward, but take your time; missing a step could leave your new business legally and financially vulnerable.
1. Do a quick internet search
Start with a Google search for your proposed business name using both an exact match (for example, “Blue Oak Bakery”) and a broader search without quotation marks (Blue Oak Bakery). This helps you find businesses with the same name as well as similar variations. Check the first few pages of results, Google Maps, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and major business directories.
Why this matters: An internet search won’t tell you if a name is legally available, but it can help you spot potential conflicts early. The USPTO recommends conducting a comprehensive search before filing a trademark application, starting with existing trademarks and other sources that could reveal conflicting names.
2. Search registered domains
Your business name and your domain name should work together, so check domain availability early in the naming process. Use the GoDaddy Domain Search tool below to see if your preferred domain is available.
Find your perfect domain name today
SEARCHIf the domain you want isn’t available and you don’t want to try other variations of it, you can try to buy it from the current owner through GoDaddy’s Domain Broker Service.
Why this matters: A matching domain helps customers find and remember your business online. Your domain name is separate from your business registration, so securing one doesn’t automatically reserve the other. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recommends treating your domain name as its own form of registration and notes that many small businesses use the same name across their entity, trademark, DBA, and domain to build a consistent brand.
3. Check trademarks
A business name can be available in your state and still infringe on someone else’s trademark. Search the USPTO trademark database to see if your proposed name, or a confusingly similar one, is already registered or pending. Look for similar spellings, pronunciations, and industries, not just exact matches.
Why this matters: Registering your business with a state doesn’t give you trademark rights. According to the USPTO, a federal trademark search can help identify potential conflicts before you invest in branding or file a trademark application.
4. Check an LLC registry
Search your state’s business entity database to see if your proposed name is already registered. Most states offer a free online search through the Secretary of State or a similar business filing agency. Search for exact matches as well as close matches.
Why this matters: The SBA notes that entity names are governed by state law, and each state has its own rules for registering and protecting business names. Most states won’t allow you to register an entity name that’s already in use or too similar to an existing business.
If you’re considering starting an LLC specifically, read our guide about the pros and cons of forming LLCs.
Check county DBA or fictitious name records
Sole proprietors and partnerships often register a doing business as (DBA) or fictitious business name with a county or local government. Search the area where you plan to do business (through official government resources) to see if your proposed name is already in use. If your state handles DBA registrations at the state level instead of the county level, your Secretary of State or business filing office should provide instructions.
5. Review industry-specific directories
It’s also a good idea to check trade associations and industry-specific directories relevant to your field. Sometimes businesses are listed in these specialized databases, but might not show up in general searches. For example, healthcare providers can check professional licensing boards, and contractors can search local builder associations or trade organizations.
Why this matters: Specialized directories can reveal established businesses that don’t rank prominently in search engines but still operate in your industry. The Library of Congress recommends using business directories as part of company research because they provide current information on businesses that may not be easily found elsewhere.
6. Consider international markets
Even if you’re starting local, you may want to think ahead to the future in your search for business names. If you plan to expand internationally or sell online, you’ll want to check if your business name is available in other countries where you might do business in the future.
A good starting point is the WIPO Global Brand Database, which lets you search trademark records from multiple countries in one place. Then, search the trademark registry for each country or region where you plan to do business, such as the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) or the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO). Finally, check local business or company registers, since business name registrations and trademark registrations are separate in many countries.
Why this matters: Trademark protection varies by country, so a name that’s available in the U.S. may already be protected elsewhere. WIPO recommends searching for existing and pending trademarks in your target markets before filing an international trademark application and advises consulting a trademark attorney or agent if you need help avoiding conflicts.
Why you need to do a business name check
You know how to check if a business name is taken, but why should you spend your time on it? There are a lot of reasons, but the three most important are that a business name check helps you stay compliant, avoid legal trouble, and stand out from competitors.
US and state law requirements
A business name check helps you avoid choosing a name you can’t legally register. While the rules vary by state, most states require business entities to use a name that’s distinguishable from existing businesses on record. If your proposed name is already in use or too similar to another registered entity, your formation documents may be rejected, forcing you to choose a new name and restart the registration process.
Each state also has its own rules for naming businesses. Your local SCORE office is a good resource if you need some guidance.
Avoid legal issues
A business name search also helps you identify potential trademark conflicts before they become expensive problems. Trademarks protect brand names used to identify specific goods or services, so another business may already have legal rights to a name that’s the same as, or confusingly similar to, yours.
Launching with a name that infringes on an existing trademark can lead to cease-and-desist letters, legal disputes, and the cost of rebranding after you’ve already invested in your website, marketing materials, and signage. Taking the time to search for trademarks early gives you a better chance of choosing a name you can confidently build your brand around.
Distinguish yourself from competitors
Your business name is often the first impression customers have of your brand. Choosing a name that’s unique helps customers recognize, remember, and recommend your business, while reducing the chances they’ll confuse you with another company offering similar products or services.
A thorough business name search can also reveal businesses with similar branding, even if they’re located in another city or state. That allows you to refine your name before launching and build a stronger, more distinctive brand that can grow with your business.
What to do if the business name you want is already taken
Finding out your favorite business name is unavailable can be frustrating, but it doesn’t always mean you have to start over. The next step depends on why the name isn’t available.
| If you find… | Your next step |
|---|---|
| An identical business name registered in your state | Choose a new name or modify it so it meets your state’s naming requirements. |
| A federally registered trademark or a confusingly similar trademark | Avoid using the name and consider consulting a trademark attorney if you’re unsure whether a conflict exists. |
| The domain name or social media handles are taken, but no business or trademark appears to exist | Consider an alternative domain extension, a slight variation of your business name, or different social media handles that keep your branding consistent. |
No matter which situation you encounter, don’t assume you can use the name just because one search came back clear. Some businesses may have common law trademark rights, meaning they can acquire legal rights through commercial use even without a federal trademark registration.
Searching for name variations
When researching a business name, don’t stop with an exact match. Search for common variations that could create confusion with your brand, including:
- Exact match (Blue Oak Bakery)
- Spacing or hyphenation (BlueOak Bakery, Blue-Oak Bakery)
- Singular and plural forms (Blue Oak Bakery vs. Blue Oaks Bakery)
- Abbreviations or acronyms (BO Bakery)
- Homophones and common misspellings (Bleu Oak Bakery, Blue Oke Bakery)
- Translations or transliterations if you plan to operate internationally
For example, your search queries could look like:
(“Blue Oak Bakery” OR “Blue-Oak Bakery” OR “BlueOak Bakery”) site:linkedin.com
(“Blue Oak Bakery” OR “Blue Oaks Bakery” OR “Bleu Oak Bakery”) (bakery OR bread OR pastries)
Remember, your business name is only one part of your identity. If your first choice isn’t available, it may be an opportunity to find a brand name that’s even more distinctive and memorable.
Business name availability checklist
| Before you register your business or launch your brand, make sure you’ve completed each of these steps: |
|---|
| ☐ Search Google, Google Maps, and major social media platforms for your proposed business name. |
| ☐ Check domain availability with GoDaddy Domain Search and secure a matching domain if it’s available. |
| ☐ Search the USPTO trademark database for identical and confusingly similar trademarks. |
| ☐ Search your state’s Secretary of State (or equivalent) business entity database. |
| ☐ Search county or local DBA/fictitious business name records, if applicable. |
| ☐ Search common name variations, including different spacing, hyphenation, plural and singular forms, abbreviations, homophones, and common misspellings. |
| ☐ Review industry-specific directories, trade associations, and professional licensing databases. |
| ☐ If you plan to expand internationally, search the WIPO Global Brand Database. |
| ☐ Search trademark registries and business registries in any countries where you plan to operate. |
| ☐ If you’re unsure about a potential trademark conflict, consult a trademark attorney before moving forward. |
| ☐ Register your business name, domain name, and trademark once you’ve confirmed they’re available. |
Lock down your business name and online presence
Choosing a business name is one of the most exciting parts of starting a business, but it’s also one of the most important. Spending a little extra time researching your name now can save you from legal issues, costly rebranding, and customer confusion later.
Once you’ve confirmed your business name is available, take the next step by securing your domain name before someone else does. With GoDaddy’s Domain Search tool, you can quickly check availability, explore domain options, and claim the online home for your new business.
FAQs
Where do I check if a business name is taken?There isn’t a single database that confirms whether a business name is available. You’ll need to search several sources, including search engines, the USPTO trademark database, your state’s Secretary of State business entity search, county DBA records (if applicable), domain availability, and social media platforms.
Can I check if a business name is available for free?
Yes, most business name searches are free. You can search Google, social media platforms, the USPTO trademark database, state business entity databases, and many county DBA databases at no cost. You can also use GoDaddy’s Domain Search tool to check whether a domain name is available before deciding whether to register it.
Can you have the same name as another business?
Sometimes. It depends on where the business operates, how the name is being used, and whether trademark rights exist. For example, two businesses in different states may be able to use the same name if there isn’t a trademark conflict and state registration rules allow it.
However, using the same or a similar name can confuse customers, make it harder to build brand recognition, and create challenges when securing a domain name, social media handles, or trademark protection. Because of this, it’s usually best to have a distinctive name.
How do I change my business name?
Changing your business name typically involves filing the appropriate paperwork with your state or local business registration office, updating your licenses and permits, notifying the IRS if required, and revising your branding, website, and marketing materials. Before making the change official, repeat the same business name availability checks you would for a new business to make sure your new name is available and doesn’t conflict with existing trademarks or registrations.
The post How to check if a business name is taken appeared first on GoDaddy Blog.
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