Searching for Available Business Names in New York

_{October 28, 2023 by JoyAnswer.org, Category : Business}

How to search available business names in New York? Learn how to search for available business names in the state of New York to ensure compliance with state regulations and trademark availability.

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How to search available business names in New York?

In New York, you can search for available business names through the New York Department of State's Division of Corporations. They provide an online database where you can check the availability of business names. Here's how to do it:

Visit the New York Department of State's Division of Corporations website:Go to the New York Department of State's Division of Corporations website, which is the official source for business entity information in New York.
Access the Business Entity Search Tool:Look for the "Business Entity Search" or a similar tool on the website. This tool allows you to search for available business names and check the availability of a name you're considering for your business.
Enter the Name: In the search tool, enter the name you want to check for availability. You can also use this tool to search for variations of the name (e.g., abbreviations or plurals) to ensure your name is distinct.
Review Search Results: After you've entered the name, the search tool will display a list of business entities with similar or matching names. This list will indicate whether the name is already in use or if it's available for registration.
Check for Name Availability: If the name you want is not listed in the search results or if it's listed with a status indicating that it's available for use, then it's likely available for your business. However, it's still a good practice to verify this with the Division of Corporations.
Verify with the Division of Corporations: To ensure the name's availability, you can contact the New York Department of State's Division of Corporations directly. They can confirm whether the name is available for registration. You can reach them by phone or visit their office.

Here is the contact information for the New York Department of State's Division of Corporations:

New York Department of StateDivision of Corporations99 Washington Avenue, 6th FloorAlbany, NY 12231

Phone: (518) 473-2492

Keep in mind that while checking for name availability with the Division of Corporations is an essential step, it doesn't necessarily reserve the name for your business. To secure the name for your business, you will need to follow the official registration process, such as filing the necessary business formation documents (e.g., Articles of Incorporation or Certificate of Assumed Name) with the Division of Corporations. It's also advisable to consult with legal and business professionals for guidance on naming and registering your business in New York.

How to check the availability of a business name in New York

To check the availability of a business name in New York, you can use the New York Department of State's Business Entity Database. This database contains information on all registered businesses in New York.

To search the database, simply enter the business name you are interested in and click "Search." If the name is available, you will see a message that says "No matches found." If the name is already taken, you will see a list of all businesses that are registered with that name.

Steps to register a business name in New York

To register a business name in New York, you must file an Application for Registration of Business Name with the New York Department of State. The application fee is $20.

You can file the application online, by mail, or in person. If you are filing online, you will need to create an account with the Department of State. If you are filing by mail, you must send the application and the filing fee to the following address:

New York Department of StateDivision of CorporationsOne Commerce Plaza99 Washington AvenueAlbany, NY 12231

If you are filing in person, you can go to the Department of State's office in Albany or one of its regional offices.

Are there any naming restrictions for New York businesses?

Yes, there are some naming restrictions for New York businesses. The business name must be unique and distinguishable from the names of other businesses that are registered in New York. The business name cannot also be deceptive or misleading.

For example, you cannot register a business name that is already in use by another business in New York. You also cannot register a business name that is deceptive or misleading, such as "The World's Best Pizza" if you do not actually make the world's best pizza.

How to protect your business name in New York

Once you have registered your business name in New York, you can protect it by using it in commerce and by registering it as a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Using your business name in commerce means using it in connection with the sale or promotion of your goods or services. For example, you could use your business name on your website, on your business cards, and on your product packaging.

Registering your business name as a trademark with the USPTO gives you the exclusive right to use the name in connection with the goods or services that you offer. This means that no one else can use the name without your permission.

What to do if the business name you want is already taken in New York

If the business name you want is already taken in New York, you have a few options. You can try to come up with a different name. You can also try to contact the owner of the business name to see if they would be willing to sell you the name.

If you are unable to come up with a different name or to purchase the name from the current owner, you may be able to register a trade name. A trade name is a name that is different from your business's legal name. Trade names do not need to be registered with the Department of State, but they do need to be registered with the county clerk's office in the county where your business is located.

If you have any questions about registering a business name in New York, you should contact the New York Department of State.