How to Do a Business Name Search
When conducting a business name search, the initial step should be to develop a name that is perfect. While conducting the search, you will require not less than three names to select from if the first choice name is not available. The moment you have a number of business names that are strong, then you should embark on the process. The following and simplest step is to conduct a name search on the google search engine. This is because the site has extensive and vast as well as reliable information on businesses that have been newly established. It is also recommendable that you check the various ways of how the name can be spelt. In case you find that all is clear and the business name is not used by any other business, then consider moving to the next phase. If you find that the particular name is being used elsewhere, repeat the process until you find a unique name.
The next phase is searching the local phone book as well as directories online. Some of the online directories where you can perform the search includes manta, yelp, dexknows as well as merchantcircle. There are many sole proprietorship companies being created each and every day. The phone book as well as online directories help the owners to list the company names with no formal documentation. So it should not be discouraging in case you spot the desired business name with Opstart but you should know of such company existence. You might be lucky to find out that the company using the name is not in the business anymore or it did not establish a legal presence formally.
The next step is searching the online database for the website belonging to the secretary of state. So that you will be required to do a deep search, you may be required to open an account. However, this should not get you worried since setting up the required account is free of charge. After vising the site find the part labelled 'Business Search' or something lose to that. This process can however be time consuming though the effort put will be worth the task. To get some facts about business startups, go to http://dilbert.wikia.com/wiki/Small_Business_Owner.
After you complete this phase, you may consider reserving the business name by Opstart in order to protect it from thirty to ninety days. Thereafter conduct another search for name on the patent and trademark office database. In case your budget constraint does not allow for professional help, it is an easy process to it alone.