Starting a new business is exciting. But before you get ahead of yourself, you need to deal with one big task: choosing the right name for your business. But this is where it gets tricky—what if your favorite name is taken?
It’s a real problem that happens to a lot of people, and it’s irritating to find out your favorite company name is in use. You might even have to start all over again, which wastes time and is stressful.
The good news is that in Utah, it is a breeze to see if your business name is available through the Utah business entity search portal. Let’s go through how you can use it to verify the name of your business.
Key Takeaways
- Search the Utah business entity search to check if your business name is available before moving ahead.
- Always check the availability of the domain so you can create a website.
- If your name is already taken, try to alter it slightly or choose a new one.
Why Business Name Availability is So Important
It might seem like a small thing, but the right business name can either kill or cure your new company. If you choose a name that is already in use, you’ll run the risk of having major legal troubles and delays.
In Utah, businesses must register to prevent having the same or similar business names. If your desired name is already taken, you have to make changes to it, which is a big headache.
How to Use Utah’s Official Search Portal
Now that we’ve established why name availability is so important, let’s dive into how you can check it through the Utah business entity search.
Step 1: Go to the Utah Business Entity Search Portal
Begin by going to the official website of Utah. It is absolutely free and the easiest way to search whether your business name is available or not.
Step 2: Enter Your Business Name
The instant you are online, go to the top right of your screen. Click on it and a search box will appear. Enter the name of your company that you want to use. Do not forget to include how you plan to use it, e.g., whether or not you will use abbreviations or special characters.
Step 3: See the Results
If there are businesses with the same name, the search results will show them. Take a close look at the details, including the type of business and whether it’s the same as yours. If the name is already used, you’ll have to come up with a new one.
Step 4: Check for Domain Availability
After you’ve checked your business name, check whether the web domain name is available. You must use a domain with the same name as your company. This makes it easier for customers to find you on the web.
Step 5: Check That Your Name Isn’t Taken
If the name isn’t taken and nobody has taken it, hurrah! You can now easily register your business name with the state of Utah.
What to Do If Your Company Name Is Already Taken
So what if your name is taken? Don’t worry, there are other options.
- Change Your Name: Put a word in or change something in the name and come up with a new name. For example, if “Utah Bikes” is taken, try “Utah Bikes Co.” or “Utah Bike Rentals.”.
- Search Trademarks: Even if your name is not taken, check the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s website to see if anyone has a trademark on it.
- Think New Names: If everything fails, you have to think again and come up with a unique and interesting name. Think about what your business does and how it’s different from the others.
More Tips for Choosing a Great Business Name
As you choose your business name, keep the following in mind:
- Go for a name that is easier to pronounce, spell, and remember. You want it simple and easy to recall.
- Make sure the domain of your business is available before finalizing.
- Choose a name that will grow with your company and still be fitting in the future.
FAQs
Is there a fee to utilize Utah’s Business Entity Search tool?
No, there is no fee to utilize this tool. You won’t have to pay to search for business names or see business information.
How do I search for the status of a Utah business entity?
To confirm the status, conduct a business name search. The outcome will show whether the business is active, expired, or dissolved.
Can I get the registered agent or officer information from the business search?
Yes, you can get this information in the search results. This includes their name and contact information, if they exist.
Conclusion
Being an entrepreneur in Utah is an exciting experience, but you must make sure your company name is not taken before you proceed too far. With the Utah business entity search tool, you can simply determine whether your name is available and avoid legal problems down the road.
If your name is available at once or you need to come up with alternatives, the tool helps you make the right decision.
Good luck, and best wishes for business naming!
