how do I find out if the business name I've chosen is already taken?

Answer 1

I believe that the County Clerks office has those records.

Answer 2

In Canada, when you register your business name, (you can register online), you have the opportunity to check if the name has already been taken. If you don't check, the government will and will only register the name if it's available. However, this only covers you in Canada. There may be a business using the same name in the U.S. or other countries. You could pay a company to research this for you, (to protect you from possibly being sued for infringing on someone else's name) or if you think the risk is slim you could simply try googling the name, and even check with other search engines such as yahoo or dogpile, etc.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

check with uspto.gov That is the web site of the US Patent and Trademark Office, the Federal agency which administers the law about trademarks and patents in the U.S. If the business name is not registered there, it might still be governed by laws which deal with prior use. If someone has established the name in use, they may be able to keep others from using it within the area where the name is known and associated with their business.

Check your yellow pages, both on line and printed and Google it, like someone already suggested. If the USPTO, the yellow pages and a Google search do not turn up a business in your area using the name, it will be difficult for anyone to argue later that you have infringed upon an established name.

Answer 4

if you are doing repair service and or selling computers or software you should be getting a general business license if not any other. You can call you city hall to see if there are any other name out there with your intended name. two online name searches may help you below. Corp Name Search Business Name Register

Answer 5

You have to file it with your state and for tax purposes. Need a business license as well. The state will inform you if your business name has already been taken.

Answer 6

Contact your secretary of state for your state. They will let you do a search for that name. Don't rely on any phone book. The name could still be in use. Also use the sec'y of state for a dba.

Answer 7

You can inforporate online...that's what I did....I did it under my state area....in florida it's called myflorida.com ...so try typing up incorporate in whatever your area is....anyway..when you do that it automatically does a name search for you :) You can do the search of course before you pay.
IF you are only getting a DBA....and you go to a local city office they have a computer there and again you will do the search. :)
good luck

Answer 8

When you apply for a small business licence they check into for you

Answer 9

In my state we can go to the Secretary of State website and look for the name ourselves. You probably have similar website in your area.

Answer 10

When you apply for a business licence they will check for that and let you know