Can I use a company name that already exists?
Trademarked Names If a company name already exists as a trademark, you can’t use it even if the company doesn’t operate in your state. This search is especially important because failure to check existing trademarks could result in charges of willful infringement of a company’s trademark rights.
Can I use a name for a business that already exists?
If a business name is already trademarked, you are prohibited from using it even if the company operates in a different state to yours. Trademark issues can be complex. Essentially, if your name is likely to cause consumer confusion because it’s the same or like another business name, then you cannot use that name.
How can I make sure my business name is not taken?
You can search for federally registered trademarks by using the free trademark database on the USPTO’s website. To start, go to the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Business Center at http://www.uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm and choose “Search.” Then follow the instructions you see on the screen.
Can you have a business name that already exists?
How can I check if a business name is available?
Check the availability of business names through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Though you can also check through your state’s Secretary of State’s office, the fact that the name is available at the state level doesn’t mean it’s available in any other state.
How to check name availability of a company?
Enter your company name and click on “Search”.
How do you check your business name?
Go to the website of your local Secretary of State. Look for a section of the website devoted to business. Usually, local governments keep official records of all businesses registered in the area, including their names.
How do you check if a company name exists?
To see if a specific company name exists and is trademarked, search for the name using the USPTO website’s electronic search system. This search is especially important because failure to check existing trademarks could result in charges of willful infringement of a company’s trademark rights.