Available company names
Choosing the perfect name for your business is a crucial step in the entrepreneurial journey. A great business name can be memorable, relevant, and unique, setting your company apart from the competition. However, before you settle on a name, it’s essential to ensure that it’s available for use.
Why is it important to check name availability?
- Legal Issues: Using a name that is already trademarked or registered by another company can lead to legal disputes and costly lawsuits.
- Brand Confusion: A similar name can confuse customers and damage your brand reputation.
- Domain Availability: Your business name should ideally match your domain name for better online visibility.
How to Check Name Availability
Here are some steps to take to check if a business name is available in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia:
- Check with Your Country’s Business Registry
- United States: Search the Secretary of State’s office for your state to check for business name registrations. You can also use online databases like the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to search for trademarks.
- United Kingdom: Search Companies House to check for company names or this tool: Company name availability checker
- Australia: Search the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) for business name registrations.
- Search for Domain Availability
- GoDaddy: A popular domain registrar that allows you to search for domain availability in various extensions (.com, .net, etc.).
- Namecheap: Another popular domain registrar with a user-friendly interface.
- Google Domains: Google’s domain registration service.
- Search Social Media Platforms
- Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: Search for the name on these platforms to see if it’s already in use.
- LinkedIn: Check for company pages and personal profiles using your desired name.
- Trademark Search
- USPTO (United States): Use the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) to search for trademarks.
- UKIPO (United Kingdom): Search the UK Intellectual Property Office’s database.
- IP Australia: Search the Australian Government’s IP Australia database.
Tips for Choosing a Business Name
- Keep it simple and memorable.
- Make it relevant to your business.
- Consider your target audience.
- Check for similar sounding names.
- Ensure it’s available as a domain name.
- Consider future growth.
Additional Tips
- Consult with an attorney: If you’re unsure about any legal aspects, consult with an attorney who specializes in intellectual property.
- Consider hiring a naming agency: A naming agency can provide expert guidance and help you brainstorm creative name ideas.
By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you can increase your chances of finding a unique and available business name. Remember, a well-chosen name is a valuable asset that can contribute to your business’s long-term success.