When naming a new business where do you go to check that the same name is not already being used?

If you are looking to set up a business name go down to your local recorders office or city hall and go to the Business licensing department...look up the name you want to use or they might look it up for you and if it's available they will let you know immediately...they will give you all the info you need on the matter!!!

When naming a new business where do you go to check that the same name is not already being used?
If it is a local business, go to the county clerk's office and research the Fictitious Businesss Names database. All legitimate businesses in your county, if they are using a fictitious name such as "Acme Metal Company" should be registered in there.
Reply:when you go to the city clerk for your county, tell them you want to file a dba and you need a dba search. they will guide you in obtaining both.
Reply:Yellow pages.
Reply:county courthouse
Reply:I listed some links where you can do some preliminary name checking. However, please be aware that this is merely scratching the surface of what's out there.





Only comprehensive research will tell you if the name is truly available. But, these links are free %26amp; a great place to start, so I'd try them out first.





Comprehensive research consists of looking at marks that are similar in Sound, Appearance or Meaning in the pending %26amp; registered Federal AND State trademark files as well as the US National Common-Law files.





There are other sites that offer free searching capabilities in conjunction with their commercial services, so I'm not able to post those links due to the Yahoo! TOS. You'll also want to check domain names %26amp; yellow pages, so simply do a search for "free domain name search" and "national yellowpages" and the appropriate links will pop up.





Hope that helps! I wish you much success %26amp; happiness in all your ventures!
Reply:I'm pretty sure the department through which you register your business name does all that. Be prepared with some back up's incase the desired name is taken.
Reply:Try the phone book and do an on line search.
Reply:If just the business name, the Sec'y of State's office.





If you think you'll ever go national check the tradmark office also (and get yours today.)