Name, Name, Who Has The Name
I am worried about using a name for my business that someone else may already be using. How would I go about researching a name I want to use for my new business?
There are a number of sources that you can use to research an existing business name. The following is a list of some of the most common places to begin your search:
- Start with your county to see if the name has been registered as a DBA.
- Check with your state to see if the name has been taken by an existing corporation or limited liability company.
- Perform an Internet search of the name you are interested in; use various search engines.
- Conduct a free trademark search at http://www.nameprotect.com/
The online resources available today help make the naming process for a new business enterprise or product so much easier than the “bad ol’ days. A business owner / inventory can do research in a few minutes that would have required weeks and a sizable investment only a decade ago.
God Bless Google and all of their friends!
Just a reminder — I’m not a lawyer, I don’t even play one on TV and I did not stay at a Holiday In Express last night. I’m just a retired SBDC counselor, who knows where to look stuff up — both online and IRL. In this case my sources are SBA Publications
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