In a previous post we covered how to choose a name for your business. In this, part two of that article, we look at how you can check for its originality and ensure that you aren’t thinking of choosing a name for your business that already exists.

Why do you need to search for the availability of a business name?

There are a number of reasons why a startup business would want to perform a few checks before choosing a business name. The most common reason is that as a new business, you wouldn’t want to have the same name as an already existing business. Firstly this would be confusing for your customers to potentially see two companies with the same name and secondly, you may be encroaching on another company’s right by using their trademark. As simple as it sounds, you couldn’t start a new business and call yourself, Google Inc, as clearly this is against the law.

It would be fair to say that if you come across a business that goes by the same name as you, and this name isn’t trademarked or registered as a company and the business is located overseas or far enough away from your own operations you could potentially call your business by the same name. It is hard to choose a unique name for your business and I don’t think there is anything particularly wrong with sharing the same name as another sole proprietor, but ideally speaking, having a unique name has some serious benefits.

How can I perform a business name availability search?

• Search the Internet – Your first stop should be your favourite search engine. Type the keyword or exact name of the business you are considering and see what crops up.
• Search local and national phone books – Check your local phone directory and yellow pages directory to see if any businesses have similar or exact same names.
• Search business directories – Similar to the above, search as many business directories that you can get your hands on.
• Check with company registration websites – For the UK, you could check the Companies House website for businesses that are registered companies that may have the same name as you. For the US, you could check a site such as BizFilings.
• Search Domain Tools – Certainly under modern circumstances and the need for a web presence you should really check to see if the name you are considering for your business has a domain name available. If it does, that’s another tick in the box for your choice.

Which ever name you decide on, make sure its right for you and your business. Don’t rush the process and certainly don’t choose a name that doesn’t have longevity, you have to keep the future in mind when choosing a name for your business.