How to Check Business Name Availability for Free: Tips to Avoid Business Naming Problems for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

The United States Census Bureau received 417,055 business applications in December 2022 alone. Out of that number, the bureau projects that 30,292 new business startups will form within four quarters from when the applications were submitted (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023).

With an increasing number of new businesses opening each month, business owners have to ensure their startup stands out from the competition from the beginning. A college degree in marketing will teach you that one way to achieve this is to come up with a unique business name. You could use a unique name generator to brainstorm some relevant and clever business names. Before doing so, however, you should know how to check if a business name is available for free.

This guide explains why checking the availability of a business name is essential and provides steps and tips on how to do this at no cost. Through this, our team of researchers aims to help business owners avoid the legal and financial ramifications experienced by entrepreneurs who skipped this process.

How to Check Business Name Availability for Free Table of Contents

Prepare a list of possible similar-sounding names and variations
Use a search engine
Check social media
Do a trademark search
Perform a state business name search
Does academic insight contribute to innovative business naming?
How does advanced education drive innovative business name creation?
How can psychological insights improve business name selection?
How can comprehensive market research refine business name choices?
How can digital marketing and SEO influence business name effectiveness?
Should I Consult Legal Experts to Secure My Business Name?
Can ongoing education drive innovative business naming strategies?

Why Check if a Business Name is Available

One of the most important reasons why you should check business name availability has to do with protecting a business trademark and avoiding problems with trademark infringement. You may have encountered these points in one of your classes while completing your bachelor’s degree in business as they are essential to ensuring you can effectively market your business and not put it at risk.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) (n.d.) provides this definition of trademark infringement:

“Trademark infringement is the unauthorized use of a trademark or service mark on or in connection with goods and/or services in a manner that is likely to cause confusion, deception, or mistake about the source of the goods and/or services."

With millions of business applications each year and hundreds of thousands from those millions belonging to the same niche, it seems there is no chance two different entrepreneurs will think of the same names for their new business. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

For instance, WWF, the World Wildlife Fund, legally fought the World Wrestling Federation for trademark rights. After 13 years of battling in court, the wildlife conservation organization won and the wrestling company had to spend millions of dollars to rebrand itself into World Wrestling Entertainment or WWE.

Even if you were unknowingly using the same name as another existing business, you can still find yourself in legal trouble when that entity decides to file a case against you for trademark infringement if you were not able to trademark the business name before they did. Either way, you and your business can pay for that mistake.

For Fiscal Year 2021, the United States Sentencing Commission (USSC) reports 36 cases involving copyright and trademark offenses. The median loss for these lawsuits amounted to $229,302, but some defendants had to pay more than $1.5 million to the plaintiffs (USSC, n.d.).

To be clear, you do not necessarily have to copy the trademark of another business 100% for it to be considered trademark infringement. Even the close resemblance to the trademark of an existing business can get you into legal trouble.

Take for example the case of the British fashion label Burberry and a company in China named Baneberry. According to the law information site HG.org (2021), Burberry was granted a preliminary injunction against the Chinese brand Baneburry for trademark infringement by a court in Suzhou City, China. It turns out that Chinese consumers were mistakenly purchasing Baneburry products because the goods, name, and logo of the company closely resembled that of Burberry. Therefore, even if Baneburry had legally obtained trademarks for its name and logo, the Suzhou courts granted a preliminary injunction in favor of Burberry based on legal merits and Baneburry had to immediately cease selling its products and using the Baneburry name and logo.

Even industry giants like Apple and Starbucks were not spared from trademark problems. When Steve Jobs launched Apple Computer (Apple Inc. today), he was sued for trademark violation by Apple Corps, the owner of Apple Records which was the record label company of the Beatles. Eventually, after many years of fighting in court, a settlement was reached where Apple Inc. bought the trademark rights of Apple Corps and then licensed certain trademarks back to the music company, including its granny smith apple logo.

Meanwhile, Starbucks took a small-town coffee shop owner to court because she named her cafe “Sambucks." Needless to say, the coffee shop giant won.

How to Check Business Name Availability for Free

While the examples given in the previous section refer to only a few of the many trademark infringement cases, they provide enough cause for new entrepreneurs to be more careful when choosing a name for their startup and to ensure they do a business name check.

You want to avoid time-consuming trademark disputes and having to invest more resources in lawsuits or in having to rename and rebrand your business. You could review some trending business names to make an informed decision before you settle on a brand. Our Research.com team prepared this guide so new business owners can check the availability of a business name for free, and, as a result, avoid future trademark problems.

1. Prepare a List of Possible Similar-Sounding Names and Variations

When you look at the case of Burberry and Baneberry, it is obvious that these two names are spelled differently. However, in some languages, they can sound almost the same phonetically. As proven by this lawsuit, this can still lead to legal problems in the future. Before you proceed with your business name search, do the following:

Write your proposed business name on a blank document or sheet of paper. You could even use an AI business name generator to come up with fresh ideas.
Think of all the possible spelling and phrasing variations and list them under your desired business name. For example, if the business name you want is “Traveler’s Resthouse," some possible variations are “Traveler’s Resthaus," “Traveler Resthouse," or “Traveler’s Rest House."
For website names, you also want to check your target domain name using different domain extensions (.com, .org, .net, etc.).
Also include singular and plural variations as some states are strict about approving similar business names for two different entities if one chose the singular form and the other opted for the plural form.

2. Use a Search Engine

One of the quickest ways to find out if a business name is taken is by using a search engine like Google or Bing. While this is not a foolproof method of avoiding trademark infringement, it can be a good start to your checking process as search engines provide a breadth of information on existing businesses, including those that are unregistered and those that operate and are registered outside of your country. Aside from finding out if another entity is using your desired business name, you can also check how competitive the name is and if your target domain name is still available.

Do an online business name search using your favorite search engine. Use the different variations you listed as well as the different domain name extensions.
Check how many identical and similar results appear and if these businesses are selling similar services or products.
Assess how competitive your target business name is and decide if you are prepared to use a highly competitive business name and domain name.

3. Check Social Media

Today, many businesses depend on social media marketing and have profiles on several platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. In 2022, the United States was the world leader in social media advertising spending at $80,670,000, followed by China ($80,550,000), the United Kingdom ($12,160,000), Japan ($8,913,000), and Germany ($4,482,000) (Statista, 2023). Remember to widen your search on social media channels that your business may not yet be using or does not even plan to use as it can help cover more bases.

Expand your online search by checking if anyone else is using your planned business name professionally or as a username.
Check if you can legally claim ownership of a username that uses your business name if you have it trademarked.

4. Do a Trademark Search

This is a crucial step to ensure your desired business name has not yet been trademarked by another business. States have different naming laws and requirements for businesses, so it is also helpful to widen your search using the trademark database of your state. You should also check for internationally registered trademarks through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and for country-wide trademark registrations using the free business name checker on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) federal database. To search on the USPTO database, follow these steps:

Go to the USPTO Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS).
Check the USPTO guide on how to conduct a trademark search.
During your search, find out if there are any related services or products, and similar trademarks, and check the trademark registration status to determine if it is a live trademark.

5. Perform a State Business Name Search

You need to register your business to operate legally anywhere in the United States. As such, using your secretary of state business search directory can help you pull up a list of businesses that might carry a similar business name to the one you have in mind, including those who are using the name as a “doing business as" name or DBA name. Each state may have assigned the task of business name registrations to different departments and offices, so, it is best to check which database to use in every state.

Most states register businesses through the department of the Secretary of State.
Some states have a separate database for DBA registrations.
Certain states can also have a list of registered business names with their City Clerk or County Clerk.

Tips on Doing a Business Name Availability Search

There are certain workarounds you can do to get a business name that is exactly or close to what you want. Here are tips on what to do in case two businesses are using the same name and how to avoid trademark issues.

Register and trademark your business name as soon as possible. After doing your due diligence and you are confident that no one else has registered or trademarked the business name you want, work fast on registering and trademarking the name for your business. You can process your business registration and trademark application yourself, especially if you expect a smooth filing process because the mark you chose is unique. However, it can also be useful to have the legal expertise of a trademark attorney who will not only help you process the registration and trademark application but also help you enforce your intellectual property rights.
Reserve your desired business name. If you see that the business name you want is still available in your local state database, claim the name by checking if your secretary of state website allows you to have it reserved. In this way, they can hold your claim to the name while you process the necessary paperwork to register your business.
Check if you can buy your target domain name. There are instances when your desired domain is not available anymore. However, through some research, you can check if the owner is actually using the domain name. If they are not, you can try getting in touch with them to inquire if they are willing to sell the domain name to you. Another option is to change the spelling or the domain extension, otherwise known as a top-level domain or TLD. According to Statista (2022), the most popular TLDs across the world as of June 2022 are .com with 52.8% of the global share, .org with 4.4%, .ru with 4.2%, .net at 3.1%, and .uk and .au (tie) at 1.8% each.

Why Your Business Name is Important

Opening a new business entails a variety of responsibilities, from hiring the best employees to finding the leading inventory management platforms. More than these, however, entrepreneurs should pay the same amount of attention to coming up with the best business name. This is because your business name has a big role in making or breaking your business.

It is no secret that if you are lucky to get the ingredients right, your business name can catapult your brand and business into a success. Not only will you capture the interest and trust of consumers, but you can also gain the respect and loyalty of your workforce. Take for example companies like Apple, Google, and Starbucks, which have not only become the top choices among consumers but also a preference for job seekers who want to work for the best companies.

Having the right business name can also affect how consumers perceive your brand or product. An article in Psychology Today (2020) by Matt Johnson Ph.D. talks about the fluency effect. The author points out that the easier a name is to pronounce and bring to mind, the more people like it (Psychology Today, 2020).

Your business name can also affect your marketing efforts when used effectively. For example, the Journal of Business Research published a research paper with the title “Social media services branding: The use of corporate brand names," which delves into using corporate brand names when marketing business services on social media. The authors conclude that “the use of corporate brand names (vs. low familiar product brand names) in social media post increases the intentions to like the content and purchase the service offering and that corporate customer brand identification drives these effects." They add that “Services brand managers should focus on cultivating higher CBI using corporate brands since it is the sole driver of consumer social media brand post engagement and purchase intentions" (Miller, Milne, & Swani, 2021). This is further proof of why choosing the right business name is essential.

Many startups even acquire the services of marketing experts to help them plan how to check business name availability and come up with a unique and effective business name that perfectly represents their brand. After all, with the highly competitive scene for new businesses today, you want your company to stand out and get attention from your target market as soon as you launch, or, even better, way before that.

To have a better picture of how competitive the new business landscape is, consider these statistics. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce (2023) reports that there were 14.9 million business applications filed between 2020 and 2022, and it is projected that 1.4 million of those who sent business applications during those years will be up and running within four quarters. From that projection number and period, the professional services industry will have 50,684 new businesses, construction will have 41,629, retail will have 38,925, and accommodation and food services will have 48,771 business formations (U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2023).

How can limited availability impact your business name selection process?

Limited availability of a business name can significantly complicate the naming process and influence your overall branding strategy. It can lead to legal challenges, increased costs, and confusion among potential customers. Here's how limited availability impacts your business and steps to navigate this challenge:

Legal Risks: If your desired name is already in use or trademarked, using it could result in costly legal disputes. Overlapping names can lead to accusations of trademark infringement, even if unintentional.
Market Confusion: Using a name similar to an existing business may confuse customers, making it harder for your brand to stand out. Confusion can dilute brand loyalty and reduce the effectiveness of marketing efforts.
Increased Costs: Limited availability may force you to buy a domain name or social media handle from a current owner, potentially at a high cost. Rebranding due to conflicts can result in additional expenses for design, marketing, and legal compliance.
Compromised Branding: Adjusting your name to find availability may lead to a less memorable or impactful identity. It can limit your ability to align the name with your business vision and target audience.

Strategies to Overcome Limited Availability

Be Creative with Variations: Modify your desired name by adding unique descriptors or combining words to create something distinctive. Experiment with spelling changes or incorporating industry-related terms.
Focus on Niche Domains and Extensions: Explore less common domain extensions like .io, .tech, or .biz if .com is unavailable. Use geo-specific extensions (e.g., .us or .uk) for localized branding.
Secure Early Reservations: Reserve your chosen name across platforms as soon as it becomes available to avoid losing it to competitors.
Leverage Tools and Expertise: Use AI business name generators and trademark databases to discover creative, available options. Consult branding or legal experts to navigate complex naming issues.

The Role of Modern Education in Business Name Strategy

In today's competitive business landscape, staying ahead requires leveraging every available resource, including modern education. Business leaders are increasingly recognizing the value of combining technical knowledge with creative strategies for branding and name selection. For instance, understanding trends in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can offer critical insights into naming conventions, especially for tech-based startups or businesses looking to integrate digital innovation into their brand.

Students and professionals pursuing an online masters in artificial intelligence develop not only technical expertise but also familiarity with the evolving landscape of digital business operations. Such programs often explore how AI can be integrated into branding processes, from generating relevant name ideas to analyzing target demographics' reception. This approach ensures that your business name resonates with an increasingly tech-savvy audience while maintaining a forward-thinking edge.

Incorporating multidisciplinary knowledge, such as how AI impacts consumer decision-making, allows businesses to choose names that effectively align with emerging trends and consumer expectations. By equipping yourself with both traditional business skills and modern technological tools, you enhance your ability to create a business name that stands out in a saturated market. This intersection of education and strategy can be a game changer in defining your brand's future and ensuring its legal protection from inception.

Choose the Best Business Name for Your Company

All of the points discussed in this guide indicate how much value there is in creating and choosing the right business name and why startups should make sure they get the name right from the start. A small oversight such as not checking the availability of a business name or choosing the wrong one can have big ramifications for new businesses—ramifications that not every entrepreneur and new business will be able to endure financially and otherwise.

Understandably, you will have a lot on your plate as a new entrepreneur. You need to process your business application requirements, find the best business management software, figure out how to hire the best team of employees, and then plan how to provide your team with the best employee perks and benefits. Learning how to check if a business name is available for free could be the last thing on your mind. However, as the information in this guide shows, that should not be the case.

Recruit the assistance of your business partners or a mentor to work on finding the best business name. If you can afford it, hire experts who provide valuable services in ensuring your business and assets are legally protected, in effectively using your business name to your business’s advantage, and in keeping your business out of legal trouble. In the end, your initial investment in such professional services can protect you from having to spend a significant amount in damages caused by trademark problems that you could have avoided.

Key Insights

High Volume of Business Applications: The U.S. Census Bureau reported over 417,000 business applications in December 2022, with around 30,000 projected to become startups within a year.
Importance of Unique Business Names: A unique business name helps a startup stand out and avoid legal issues related to trademark infringement.
Legal Ramifications of Trademark Infringement: Trademark infringement can lead to costly lawsuits and rebranding, as seen in cases like WWF vs. WWE and Burberry vs. Baneburry.
Steps to Check Business Name Availability:
- List Possible Name Variations: Consider different spellings, phrasings, and domain extensions.
- Use Search Engines: Check for existing businesses with similar names.
- Check Social Media: Ensure the name is not being used as a professional or username on social platforms.
- Conduct Trademark Searches: Use databases like the USPTO and WIPO to check for existing trademarks.
- State Business Name Search: Verify through state-specific databases to avoid local conflicts.
Reserve and Trademark Early: Secure your business name by registering and trademarking it as soon as possible to prevent others from using it.
Domain Name Availability: Ensure your desired domain name is available or negotiate to purchase it if already taken.
Impact of Business Name on Brand Success: A well-chosen business name can significantly influence consumer perception, marketing effectiveness, and overall business success.

Does academic insight contribute to innovative business naming?

Academic pursuits offer a structured approach to understanding branding fundamentals, market dynamics, and consumer behavior, which can be directly applied to crafting a compelling business name. Research-oriented courses and industry-focused degree programs foster analytical skills that help entrepreneurs evaluate linguistic trends, cultural nuances, and the overall market impact of potential names. Additionally, formal education can introduce methodologies for integrating creative and legal considerations, thereby streamlining the decision-making process. For instance, obtaining an easiest graduation degree equips business owners with cost-effective strategies and innovative problem-solving techniques that play a crucial role in developing a unique and resonant brand identity.

How does advanced education drive innovative business name creation?

Advanced academic training combines rigorous research methodologies with creative problem-solving techniques to refine business naming strategies. Entrepreneurs who pursue higher education gain exposure to analytical frameworks that dissect market trends, linguistic structures, and consumer behavior—fostering a data-driven approach to name selection. Such educational experiences enable founders to evaluate the strategic implications of their naming decisions while positioning their brand for long-term growth. In addition, courses like online PhD programs for working professionals empower business leaders with advanced insights that transform theoretical knowledge into practical, innovative naming practices.

How can psychological insights improve business name selection?

Integrating psychological principles into your naming strategy can enhance consumer connection and brand memorability by leveraging factors such as cognitive fluency and emotional resonance. Applying these insights helps determine which names are not only unique but also intuitively appealing, reducing confusion and fostering positive brand associations. Furthermore, specialized academic pathways, such as PsyD programs, offer comprehensive training in understanding human behavior, providing a strategic edge when evaluating the impact of a business name.

How can comprehensive market research refine business name choices?

Effective market research integrates competitor analysis, consumer behavior insights, and trend identification to ensure a business name not only stands out but also resonates with target audiences. By systematically analyzing market data, entrepreneurs can recognize cultural nuances and emerging industry trends that influence brand perception. This approach minimizes the risk of choosing a name that may seem appropriate in theory but lacks appeal in practice. Additionally, honing analytical skills through targeted academic programs, such as easiest graduate degrees, empowers professionals to make data-driven decisions that support a lasting and impactful brand identity.

How can digital marketing and SEO influence business name effectiveness?

A strategic business name not only defines your brand but also plays a crucial role in bolstering online visibility. Integrating SEO best practices into your naming process can guide potential customers to your website more efficiently by enhancing keyword relevance and domain searchability. Conducting targeted keyword research and aligning your business name with popular search terms can improve organic rankings and drive quality traffic. Moreover, emphasizing uniqueness within digital campaigns fosters stronger brand recall and consumer trust. Leveraging digital education resources such as certificate programs that pay well can further empower you with the latest techniques to merge creative branding with effective SEO strategies.

Should I Consult Legal Experts to Secure My Business Name?

Engaging legal professionals specialized in intellectual property can provide critical insights beyond standard name availability checks. Experienced attorneys help evaluate nuances between similar trademarks, guide you through state and international registration processes, and develop strategies to minimize future litigation risks. This proactive approach streamlines compliance with evolving legal standards and ensures your brand is robustly protected across diverse markets. Consider that a comprehensive understanding of legal frameworks may also be acquired through accelerated courses, such as a degree in 6 months, to build a foundational grasp of intellectual property considerations.

Can ongoing education drive innovative business naming strategies?

Entrepreneurs can benefit from continuous education that sharpens strategic thinking for business naming. Specialized online courses integrate creative branding techniques with detailed market analytics and legal frameworks, resulting in actionable insights for distinguishing a brand in competitive markets. Such structured learning sources also foster innovative approaches to name development based on emerging digital trends and consumer behavior shifts. For further examples of accessible academic resources that enhance strategic thinking, explore our guide on easy online college degrees.

FAQ

1. Why is checking the availability of a business name important?

Checking the availability of a business name is crucial to avoid legal issues related to trademark infringement, which can lead to costly lawsuits, forced rebranding, and significant financial losses. It also ensures that your business name is unique and can effectively represent your brand without confusion.

2. How can I check if a business name is available for free?

You can check the availability of a business name for free by:

Preparing a list of similar-sounding names and variations.
Using search engines like Google or Bing.
Checking social media platforms.
Conducting trademark searches using the USPTO and WIPO databases.
Performing state business name searches through your Secretary of State's office.

3. What are the potential consequences of not checking business name availability?

Not checking business name availability can result in trademark infringement lawsuits, which may lead to hefty fines, legal fees, and the need to rebrand your business. This can cause loss of customer trust, additional marketing expenses, and a significant setback in business operations.

4. What is trademark infringement?

Trademark infringement is the unauthorized use of a trademark or service mark in connection with goods or services in a way that is likely to cause confusion, deception, or mistake about the source of those goods or services. It can lead to legal actions and financial penalties.

5. Can I use a business name that is similar but not identical to an existing trademark?

Using a business name that is similar to an existing trademark can still result in legal issues if it causes confusion among consumers. Courts can rule against you if they find that your business name closely resembles another trademark, leading to potential trademark infringement.

6. What should I do if my desired domain name is already taken?

If your desired domain name is taken, you can:

Check if the owner is using the domain and inquire if they are willing to sell it.
Consider alternative spellings or different domain extensions (e.g., .net, .org).
Ensure the new domain name variation still aligns with your brand and business identity.

7. Why is it important to reserve and trademark my business name early?

Reserving and trademarking your business name early protects your brand from being used by others and secures your legal rights to the name. It helps prevent future conflicts, ensures brand recognition, and provides legal grounds to enforce your trademark rights.

References: