One of the first—and most exciting—steps in launching a business is choosing your business name. It’s more than just a label; it’s your brand identity, your first impression, and a foundational part of your legal presence. But before you print business cards or register a domain, you need to make sure your dream name is actually available.
In this guide, Smart Filing walks you through exactly how to check if a business name is taken, what to do if it is, and how to claim your name legally and securely—whether you’re forming an LLC, a corporation, or applying for an EIN.
Why Your Business Name Matters
Your business name is one of your most valuable brand assets. It helps define your company's mission, culture, and market presence. But a great name won’t do much for you if it’s already in use by another business—especially if it’s trademarked or legally protected.
Choosing a unique business name is important because
- You can’t form an LLC or corporation using a name that’s already registered in your state.
- You could face legal consequences for using a name that violates someone else’s trademark.
- You want to build a recognizable brand that’s distinctly yours.
How to Check if a Business Name Is Taken (Step-by-Step)
Here’s a complete breakdown of how to check business name availability on the state and federal level—and how to secure your name once you find the perfect one.
Step 1: Check Business Name Availability with Your State
Every state maintains a searchable online database of registered business entities. To form an LLC or corporation, your desired name must be "distinguishable" from existing businesses on record.
How to Search:
- Visit your Secretary of State's business name search tool.
- Enter the desired name into the search field.
- Review any matching results for exact or similar names.
💡 Smart Filing Tip: Use variations, abbreviations, and singular/plural versions of your name to check for potential conflicts.
Step 2: Search for Trademarks at the Federal Level
Even if your name is available in your state, it may still be trademarked nationally. Using a federally trademarked name can result in costly disputes and forced rebranding.
How to Search for Trademarks:
- Go to the USPTO (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office) website.
- Use the TESS (Trademark Electronic Search System) to check for existing trademarks.
- Look for marks that are identical or confusingly similar in your industry category.
🛡️ Smart Filing can help you perform a basic trademark check as part of our business formation services.
Step 3: Check Domain Name Availability
If you plan to operate online, a matching domain name (especially a .com) is key for branding, SEO, and credibility.
How to Search:
- Use domain registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains.
- Search for variations of your business name (e.g., hyphenated or abbreviated versions).
- Consider alternative domains (.co, .biz, etc.) if .com isn’t available—but be cautious of potential confusion with existing brands.
🌐 Want to claim your domain early? Smart Filing can guide you to secure your domain name alongside your LLC or corporation filing.
Step 4: Check Social Media Handles
Brand consistency extends to social media. Make sure your name—or a close variation—is available on platforms like:
- Instagram
- Facebook
- Twitter (X)
- LinkedIn
- TikTok
Use tools like Namecheckr to search multiple platforms at once.
Step 5: Reserve or Register the Name
Once you’ve confirmed your business name is available, you should act quickly to secure it legally.
Your options:
- Form an LLC or Corporation: The most effective way to protect your name at the state level.
- File a Name Reservation: Some states allow you to reserve a name for a limited time before you form your entity.
- Register a Trademark: For nationwide protection and brand enforcement.
📝 With Smart Filing, you can form your LLC, corporation, and get your EIN—all while ensuring your business name is protected and legally registered.
What to Do If Your Desired Name Is Taken
If you discover your preferred business name is already taken, don’t panic. Here are a few strategies:
- Modify the Name Slightly
Try adding a word or changing the order (e.g., “Blue Horizon Tech” instead of “Horizon Blue”). - Use a Different Business Structure
Sometimes the name is taken by a sole proprietorship and may still be available for an LLC or corporation. - Check Other States
If you plan to operate nationally, you might register in a different state (though this can have legal implications). - Get Creative
Use unique combinations, invented words, or your own name to build a brand that’s truly yours.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Failing to check state and trademark databases separately
- ❌ Assuming domain availability means legal availability
- ❌ Choosing a name too similar to a competitor’s
- ❌ Not considering brand expansion into other states or countries
- ❌ Not filing paperwork promptly after confirming availability
Let Smart Filing Help You Find and Secure the Perfect Business Name
At Smart Filing, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs and small business owners like you launch with confidence. We offer:
- ✅ Business name availability checks
- ✅ LLC, Corporation, and EIN filing
- ✅ Registered Agent Services
- ✅ Trademark consultation
- ✅ Compliance reminders
Our step-by-step process makes it easy to go from idea to incorporation—without the paperwork headaches.
Start Your Business the Smart Way
Don’t let naming confusion delay your dream. Whether you’re starting your first business or launching a new venture, knowing how to check if a business name is taken is critical to getting it right from the start.
🔍 Check your business name now with Smart Filing and get your LLC, Corporation, or EIN filed the easy way.