Use the USPTO’s free trademark database. To start, go to the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Business Center at and choose “Search.” Then follow the instructions you see on the screen.

How long does it take for a business name to be approved?

The company registration form generally takes around 15 minutes to complete. Once submitted, the company will usually be registered within 2-3 mins. The only exception to this timeframe is where ASIC needs to manually review your company name.

Do I have to use my full business name?

A business’s legal name can vary depending on its type of business structure. If you operate as a sole proprietorship, your business legal name is your full name (e.g., Jason Williams). However, you must include your full personal name if you have a sole proprietorship.

How do I get my business name approved?

An application in the prescribed manner and on payment of applicable fees is to be submitted with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. After reviewing the application for availability of your proposed company name, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs shall either approve or reject the same.

Do you have to have a business name?

It just feels safer somehow to opt for a descriptive name that spells things out, or at least a dictionary word that people are familiar with. It’s what all companies do, isn’t it? The answer is still No – it’s not what all businesses do.

What was the first business name that had no meaning?

Not only was it short and sweet, but it suggested the word ‘sonus’ – the Latin for sound – and even alluded to the American slang word for a young lad, Sonny. It sounded friendly. So the beginnings of a global economy produced one of the first universal brand names – a unique name with no actual meaning]

How to avoid common mistakes when naming your business?

Below, 15 Forbes Agency Council members share the top mistakes entrepreneurs make when naming their business and how to avoid those errors. Avoid common mistakes so you don’t have to rename your business a few years down the road. All photos courtesy of individual Forbes Agency Council members. 1. You Haven’t Considered Branding And Timing

Do you need an identical name for a DBA?

Some states/counties allow LLCs and DBAs to exist with the “identical” name; others do not. You’ll need to call your state or county where you’re doing business to make sure your DBA filing with an “identical name” will be approved. It can sometimes occur that a business owner forms 1 LLC]