How to check if a business name is available

A business name is available when nobody else can stop you using it. That takes more than one search.

Your state's registry

If you are forming a company, your state checks that no other company in that state has the same name. That is all it checks. It says nothing about the other 49 states, nothing about trademarks, and nothing about the internet. Search it, but do not stop there.

The domain

People will look for you at yourname.com. If that is taken, decide now whether you can live with another ending — .co, .io, .app and .ai are all normal for a new business — or whether you would rather change the name while it is still free to change.

The trademark

A live US trademark is the real test. Someone with a registered mark on a similar name, in a related line of business, can make you rename after you have spent money on signs, packaging and ads. Being registered with your state is no defence. The US trademark register is public and searchable, and a search for marks that contain your name takes a minute.

The app name

Even if you are not building an app today, check the App Store. An existing app with your exact name means you can never publish under it, and it means customers searching their phone will find someone else.

One table for all of it

NamingBay checks the domain endings you choose, the Apple App Store and live US trademarks that contain the name — up to 10 names at once, free, no signup. It is a registry lookup, not legal advice. If the trademark column shows a live match, talk to a trademark attorney before you commit.

NamingBay is free and needs no signup. Registry and register lookups, not legal advice.