Frequently Asked Questions: Business

Before you choose your new company's name, you should conduct a name search to determine if the name is protected or being used by another company.

You may want to begin by doing general Internet search to determine if there is some obvious.

Then check with the office of the Secretary of State for the state where the company will be located. (Businesses are generally required to register with the Secretary of State Office in the state where the business will be located.) The National Association of Secretaries of State home page has links to the various state agencies. External

Other sources you may be interested in include, the American Bar Association information pages about The Law and Your Business. External

Finally, we would suggest that you contact your nearest Small Business Administration Office (SBA) for further advice and assistance. They have developed information about choosing a business name.