how do i find out if a business name is already taken ?

Question

im in canada ,dont know if it matters

Answer 1

if this is an incorporated entity, you can go to the records office for corporations in your province.

If it is a none incorporated entity you can go to your provincial registry of businesses.

when you want to register your business, you will be required to complete a set of forms, which will likely ask you to submit up to 3 different names for your business and the reistar will search your choices and let you know which one if any is available.

the name of your business should also be able to become a web address for marketing purposes, so you may also want to do a web search to see if the name you are hoping to use is available as a web address.

Good luck

Answer 2

I am afraid that it does matter according to government regulations. When you start up a business it must be registered with the provincial gov. and you must fill out the appropriate form. In the form you would select a name and pay online about 60 dollars or mail it in for 80.00 the choice is yours. After a period of time they will do a search of the name that you selected and if nobody is already using that name you are allowed to use it. If someone else is using that name you will have to pick another. Now if you just decide not to register your business and use a name that's already taken, you could be opening up yourself to a law suit against you and also gov. action against you in the courts. You want some free advise register using your own name that way you will have a better chance that it won't be rejected. ok

Answer 3

Go to your Provincial Department of Revenue and search out "fictitious names". There you will find out whether the name you're thinking of using is already taken.

Answer 4

Check if it is registered