I am going to try to start my own business around the new year. I was wondering if there was some kind of official directory of business name nationally or just state wide. Reason being I don't want to think I have a cool name for my business but find out it is already taken. I know google searches won't come up with everything. thanks guys
I know when I did it, it was about $300 to a company that put together LLC's and I basically had to keep suggesting names until we found one that wasn't taken. That was 5 years ago, though.
Business names are awarded through the Secretary of State for each individual state. Check your states SOS website, to see if the name you want is available.
Is there a particular reason you want a unique name? And by unique, you mean nationally or within some geographic area? If you just want a unique name, I would think a simple Google search would serve that purpose. From a trademark standpoint, a unique name is not necessary, however (e.g., DELTA for airlines, faucets, tools, etc.).
Be careful your name doesn't sound like something else in another language or has an inappropriate meaning. Some companies have changed names because someone in another continent may have been offended by them.
Well chances are my business will only be servicing the houston area maybe a little outside of that but no international. I will check the SOS for TX website and see what I can find.
I went to their website, and it sucks compared to GAs for what you need. That is the office you need to get in contact with though. You very well may want to meet with a CPA, who would likely be able to help you with everything.
The Wisconsin Tourism Federation just changed their name because they felt the initials were inappropriate.
Secretary of state will provide name availability, but all that does is tell you if there is another business entity registered with that name in the state of Texas. You will also need to perform a search at the U.S. patent and trademark office website for similar trademarks. Their website is easy to use. Consider hiring an attorney if you are serious about your business. Insert disclaimer here about not providing legal advice over the interwebs, although I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night ...
When Ken Lay first established his new company (Enron), the original name was Enteron. En = energy, ter = international, ron = sounds cool. What he didn't know was that enteron is the name of the tubular passage of mucous membrane extending about 8.3 meters from mouth to anus. Basically, your bung hole. Can you say foreshadowing?
From Conspiracy of Fools (I'm on my second read...). There was also something about the coloring of the emblem -- that when it was photocopied it looked like someone giving the finger!
That is hilarious. I was talking about the meaning of a word or an acronym in another language, but your example is an extension of what I meant to say.
