King bell
VIP Contributor
Choosing a business name is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting a business. Not only does your business name represent your brand, but it could also impact your legal and financial obligations.
Before settling on a business name, it’s important to do your research to make sure it’s the right fit for you. Here are five tips for researching your business name before you buy it:
1. Check for Trademark Conflicts: You don’t want to get tangled up in a trademark dispute, so it’s important to check if the name you’re considering is trademarked by another company. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office provides a searchable database you can use to check for trademark conflicts.
2. Research Your Domain Name: Your domain name is the online address of your website and should match your business name. To ensure that your domain name is available, search online registrars such as GoDaddy or NameCheap.
3. Check Social Media Availability: It’s important to check if the username you want is available on major social media platforms. For example, if you’re considering a name like “MyCompany” you should check if “MyCompany” is available on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and other social media sites.
4. Search for Businesses With Similar Names: You don’t want to get confused with another business, so it’s important to search for businesses with similar names. Use search engines and business directories to make sure your name isn’t too similar to another company’s name.
5. Talk to an Attorney: If you’re still unsure about a business name, consult a lawyer. An experienced attorney can check for trademark conflicts, make sure the name you want is legally available, and help you select the best name for your business.
By doing your research, you can ensure that your business name is the right fit for you. Following these five tips can help you make an informed decision before buying your business name.
Before settling on a business name, it’s important to do your research to make sure it’s the right fit for you. Here are five tips for researching your business name before you buy it:
1. Check for Trademark Conflicts: You don’t want to get tangled up in a trademark dispute, so it’s important to check if the name you’re considering is trademarked by another company. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office provides a searchable database you can use to check for trademark conflicts.
2. Research Your Domain Name: Your domain name is the online address of your website and should match your business name. To ensure that your domain name is available, search online registrars such as GoDaddy or NameCheap.
3. Check Social Media Availability: It’s important to check if the username you want is available on major social media platforms. For example, if you’re considering a name like “MyCompany” you should check if “MyCompany” is available on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and other social media sites.
4. Search for Businesses With Similar Names: You don’t want to get confused with another business, so it’s important to search for businesses with similar names. Use search engines and business directories to make sure your name isn’t too similar to another company’s name.
5. Talk to an Attorney: If you’re still unsure about a business name, consult a lawyer. An experienced attorney can check for trademark conflicts, make sure the name you want is legally available, and help you select the best name for your business.
By doing your research, you can ensure that your business name is the right fit for you. Following these five tips can help you make an informed decision before buying your business name.
