How to Choose a Business Name That Won't Get Blocked

Check availability across entity registration, trademarks, and domains before committing to avoid costly rejections and rebrands.

  1. Search your state's business entity database. Check your Secretary of State's online database for existing LLCs, corporations, and partnerships with similar names. Most states require your name be "distinguishable" from existing entities. Search variations and common misspellings — if "ABC Marketing LLC" exists, "ABC Marketing Group LLC" will likely get rejected.
  2. Run a federal trademark search. Use the USPTO's TESS database to search registered and pending trademarks in your industry class. A landscaping company can often use a name that's trademarked for software, but not for lawn care. Focus on your specific goods/services classification — trademark conflicts within your sector will block registration.
  3. Check domain availability and social handles. Verify your preferred .com domain is available and reasonably priced. Premium domains cost $1,000-50,000+ if already registered. Also check major social platforms for consistent handles. Mismatched online presence confuses customers and weakens brand recognition.
  4. Test the name with required entity designators. Add "LLC," "Corp," or "Inc" to see how it reads and fits on documents. Some names work well standalone but become awkward with legal suffixes. Check if your state allows abbreviations versus full designators — this affects signage, contracts, and marketing materials.
  5. Verify compliance with state naming rules. Review your state's specific restrictions on prohibited words, required disclosures, and professional licensing terms. Many states ban words like "bank," "insurance," or "university" without proper licensing. Some require disclaimers if using terms like "group" or "associates."
  6. File a name reservation if conducting further research. Most states let you reserve an available name for 60-120 days for $10-50 while you finalize formation documents. This prevents someone else from taking your chosen name during your due diligence period. Skip this only if you're filing your entity paperwork immediately.