Checking business name availability requires 5 separate searches: State business database (prevents filing rejection). USPTO trademarks (prevents legal conflicts). Domain names (prevents web presence issues). Social media handles (prevents brand inconsistency). Common law usage (prevents unregistered conflicts).
Why Multiple Checks Required
Name "available" in one database doesn't mean available everywhere. State might allow it but trademark exists. Trademark clear but domain taken. Each check serves different purpose.
Step 1: State Business Database
Check Secretary of State where you'll form LLC/Corp. Prevents: LLC filing rejection. Wasted filing fees ($50-500). Delays (2-4 weeks if rejected). How: Visit "[Your State] Secretary of State business search". Search exact name and variations.
State Search Examples
California: bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov. Delaware: icis.corp.delaware.gov. Florida: search.sunbiz.org. New York: appext20.dos.ny.gov/corp_public. Texas: direct.sos.state.tx.us/corp.
What to Search
Exact name without entity designation. "Blue Ocean" not "Blue Ocean LLC". Plural/singular variations. Common misspellings. Same name in other entity types (Corp, Inc, etc).
Multi-State Warning: Planning to operate in multiple states? Check EACH state's database. "Apex Solutions" available in Delaware doesn't mean available in California. Foreign qualification requires availability in each state.
Step 2: USPTO Trademark Search
Search USPTO TESS database. Prevents: Cease and desist letters. Trademark lawsuits. Forced rebranding ($50,000+ average). Legal fees. Lost brand equity.
How to Search USPTO
Use Basic Word Mark Search for simple names. Search exact name in quotes. Search individual words separately. Search phonetic equivalents. Check your industry class specifically. Review results for: Live/active trademarks. Pending applications. Dead marks (may still block you).
Industry Class Matters
Same name can exist in different classes. "Delta" valid for airlines AND faucets (different classes). Focus on: Your industry class. Related classes. Classes for goods if you offer services (or vice versa).
Step 3: Domain Name Availability
Check if matching domain available. Critical for: Online businesses. E-commerce. Service businesses (need website). Brand consistency.
Which Domains to Check
Priority domains: .com (most important for US businesses). .co, .io, .net (alternatives). Industry-specific: .tech, .app, .shop, etc. Don't bother with: Hyphenated versions. Misspellings. Number substitutions (weak brand).
Domain Not Available?
Check who owns it (WHOIS lookup). Is it for sale? (Domain marketplaces). Would cost $500-$5,000+ typically. Consider: Different domain extension (.co instead of .com). Different business name entirely (if .com critical). Adding word (BlueSkyTech.com instead of BlueSky.com).
Step 4: Social Media Handles
Check username availability on major platforms. Important for: Consumer-facing businesses. Brand consistency. Marketing. Platforms to check: Instagram (@yourname). Facebook (/yourname). Twitter/X (@yourname). LinkedIn (/company/yourname). TikTok (@yourname). YouTube (/yourname).
Handle Alternatives
If @yourname taken: @yournameofficial. @yournameHQ. @get[yourname]. Avoid: @yourname123. @yourname_official_real. Multiple underscores/numbers (looks unprofessional).
Step 5: Common Law Search
Search for unregistered business usage. Businesses using name without trademark registration still have rights in their geographic area.
How to Search Common Law
Google "[your name] [your industry]". Check business directories (Yelp, Google Maps, BBB). Search industry-specific databases. Check LinkedIn for companies. Review competitor websites. Look for: Same name, same industry. Same name, nearby geography. Similar name, confusingly similar.
Common Law Rights: Small local business using name since 2015 (no trademark) may have rights over your 2024 trademark application if they can prove continuous use and geographic reach. Search thoroughly.
Conflict Decision Matrix
What to do based on where conflicts appear:
State Database Only
Choose different name OR form in different state. State conflict = hard blocker for LLC formation.
USPTO Trademark Only
Same industry: Choose different name (high legal risk). Different industry: Consult attorney (may be acceptable). Pending application: Wait for decision or choose different name.
Domain Only
Consumer business: Strongly consider different name (.com very important). B2B business: Can work with alternative domain (.co, .io). Service business: Alternative usually acceptable. E-commerce: .com highly recommended.
Social Media Only
Usually acceptable to use alternative handle. Less critical than domain/trademark. Can succeed with @yournameofficial.
Multiple Conflicts
2+ of above: Choose different name. Not worth the risk/complexity.
Geographic Considerations
Operating nationally: Must have clear USPTO trademark. Multi-state: Check each state database + USPTO. Single state only: State + USPTO still recommended. Online/e-commerce: Must have USPTO (interstate commerce).
Industry-Specific Rules
Some industries have restricted words: Financial: "Bank", "Trust", "Credit Union" require licensing. Legal: "Attorney", "Law" require bar membership. Medical: "Medical", "Clinic" may require licensing. Engineering: "Engineer" requires PE in some states. Check your state's business name restrictions.
The Fast Method
Manual checking: 4-6 hours for thorough search. Requires checking 5+ databases separately. Easy to miss conflicts. Trademark Lens: Checks all 5 sources simultaneously. State databases + USPTO + domains + social media. Results in 30 seconds. Free initial check.
What You Get
State business database results. Federal trademark conflicts. Domain availability (15+ extensions). Social media handle availability (12 platforms). Conflict risk assessment. Recommendations.
After Checking Availability
Name available everywhere: Secure it immediately. Reserve state name if not filing yet ($10-50). File trademark application within days. Buy domain immediately. Claim social handles. Name has conflicts: Consult trademark attorney if USPTO conflicts. Choose different name if state/trademark blocked. Consider alternatives if only domain/social taken.
Priority Filing Order
Reserve domain (can lose it in hours). File trademark application (6-12 month process). File LLC/corporation formation. Claim social media handles. Set up business infrastructure.