Corporate Name Search for Beginners

Learn the details of what goes into a successful corporate name search
By Jason Wood A corporate name search is one of the most important tasks to be completed when you are launching your business. You need to make sure that your name has not been taken by another in the state, the quality branding can be obtained and that a trademark can be secured without infringing on another company.

But before you jump onto the Internet and start a corporate name search, be sure you understand the steps and terms of obtaining the corporate name, branding and trademark. A little leg work now will save you a lot of headaches down the road.

1. Perform a quick corporate name search to determine if the name is available within your state.

2. Consult with a branding company as part of your education in a corporate name search for beginners.

3. Speak with trademark companies as part of your corporate name search.

Do a corporate name search and make sure the name is not already utilized

When it comes to forming a corporation name, you not only need something that is dynamic and describes your business, but you also need a name that is not already in use within your state. Each state offers corporate names searches through their government websites. Also, there are database companies that contain names found in all 50 states. You should note that national brand names, such as McDonald's, cannot be infringed upon if you plan to sell similar items. In the McDonald's case, that would mean no fast food hamburgers. However, you could still have McDonald's grocery store or McDonald's hardware store.
Try:  Check out the website for Direct Incorporation to make sure that your desired business name is available. Click and Inc also provides a comprehensive nationwide database search.

Speak with a branding company when learning about corporate name search for beginners

Before you settle on a corporate name, you want to make sure that name will stand the test of the marketplace with whatever business you are currently engaged. Seeking the advice of a branding company about your top choices will allow you to plan ahead on what your corporate or brand name might become. This will include foresight into a slogan or motto, artwork and even associated graphics that might accompany the corporate name.
Try:  Check out the website for Brand Identity Guru. They offer comprehensive business branding solutions for your corporate name. Brand Unity is another such company that will take your corporate name and establish artwork, campaigns and other necessary tools so that your business has a presence.

Gain advice from trademark companies as part of your corporate name search

Consulting with a trademark company will be the final piece of the puzzle as you learn about corporate names for beginners. After you've narrowed down your choice of name and obtained some preliminary art-work through your branding source, it's time to make sure that the trademark you will eventually seek is not too close to another company. The last thing you want to do is to complete the process of obtaining all of these licenses, only to find yourself in a lawsuit because a comprehensive trademark search wasn't done to find a similar company somewhere else in the country or even the world.
Try:  Check out the website for Allmark Trademark. They provide services in obtaining trademarks as well as defending trademarks when they have been infringed upon by another corporation. Loza and Loza also offers such intellectual property solutions.