From using an instant domain checker tool to hiring the best trademark lawyer, here are five answers to the question, “What are a few places you could check to see if your company name is taken?”
- Try an Instant Domain Checker Tool
- Peruse Social Media Platforms
- Search Domains.google
- Check the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s Database
- Hire the Best Trademark Lawyer
Try an Instant Domain Checker Tool
One of the best ways to discover if your company name is taken is by utilizing an instant domain checker.
These tools will show your chosen name with a variety of domain extensions. If your name is registered with another extension, you can navigate to the website and ensure it’s not pointing to an active business.
If it is, you can review the website to see if the business competes in your space. For example, if Dove Chocolates navigated to Dove.com and saw Dove Soap’s website, they’d still be able to use their name because it is in a different industry.
Axel DeAngelis, Founder, NameBounce
Peruse Social Media Platforms
Social media and businesses are becoming increasingly intertwined, making the importance of making your presence online even more important.
If your company name is already associated on social media with another company, that is a good sign that your name is pretty much taken. Make sure to claim your company username early in the process on every social media site available to avoid confusing customers online.
Jacob Dayan, Co-Founder & CEO, Community Tax
Search Domains.google
Every time I start a new business, the first thing I check is domains.google to see if I can snag a suitable domain name. After that, I check if I can claim the same handles on the critical social media platforms I plan to play in.
When I started my first business, my advisor told me that having the “ideal” LLC name was critical. I have found that customers are ok with an LLC that uses a different DBA, and I have seen a greater ROI for businesses with consistent digital presences and strong naming compared to strong LLC names with inconsistent marketing handles.
Katherine Bakken, Director, Train River Publishing
Check the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s Database
While there are countless places you should check, the first stop should be to search for your company name (and close variations) at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). If someone else has registered a trademark for your company name or a close variation of the name, you will need to pick a different name.
Bobby Klinck, Founder, BobbyKlinck.com
Hire the Best Trademark Lawyer
In my forty-plus-year career as an inventor, I’ve registered my fair share of marketing brand names and taglines. Hiring the best trademark lawyer to register brand names and taglines is important because they have the expertise and knowledge necessary to ensure that your branding is properly protected. They can ensure that you don’t violate any copyright laws and can prevent others from infringing on your rights.
Marc Werner, CEO & Founder, GhostBed
