Reflect your identity, not words
People are addressed by their name; it's the first thing that comes to mind when we're in a room full of strangers. A name is a shared identity when we want to remember someone in our lives. People don't just know the name beyond words. Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, and the way you make others feel is your trademark.
Before a conversation starts, before a handshake or a smile, there's a name. It might be spoken, written, or remembered, but it always comes first. It's how we recognize, how we connect, and how we start to understand someone or something.
It's all about how people recall you, refer to you, and relate to you. whether it belongs to a person, a brand, or a business. It carries meaning. Over time, it grows with experience, stories, and emotions tied to it.
Similarly, when heading off to start a business, the first thing is the name of your business. A business name is often how people hear and see you. It's your official title or designation used to identify yourself in the marketplace, and it is how your business is known to your suppliers and the general public
Sometimes, your chosen business name is already taken by someone else. We've seen this happen when directors give a name to their movie and during the release time the rightful owner files a case against the production team, saying, 'How can you use my name? I have it trademarked.
In recent times, buying a digital asset in the form of a domain name has become prominent. People often register digital assets using terms whether related to them or not simply to own them.
In 2024, a Delhi-based app developer, predicting the merger, registered the domain in September 2023. He later approached Reliance Industries, offering to transfer the domain in exchange for funding his higher education. Reliance declined the proposal, viewing it as an attempt at cybersquatting. Subsequently, the developer sold the domain to Dubai-based siblings, Jainam and Jivika. In November 2024, they announced their intention to transfer the domain to Reliance free of cost as an act of seva (selfless service).
Therefore, it is crucial to select a name for your business carefully. In addition, your desired name might already exist in the market. Before choosing it, you should have clarity and a focused mindset to check whether your brand name is already in use. If it is, don't panic; it's normal. Simply search again.
How to Check If a Business Name Is Taken
A mission statement is a way to communicate your brand and what it stands for. You can display it on your homepage or "About Us" page, but keep it clear and concise. This way, your business idea will be easy to understand, and it will show that there’s a market for it.
Search your state's business name database
Visit the Secretary of State’s website and use their "Business Entity Search" or "Name Availability" tool. By searching your proposed name, you can determine if it's already in use. Don’t forget to try variations of the name, like including or omitting spaces, abbreviations, or initials. This way, you ensure that no one else has a similar or identical business name that could lead to confusion.
Search the Patent and Trademark Office
Use the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to search for the registered business name within existing trademarks. It helps to search for exact or similar trademarks. Trademark conflicts can lead to costly legal battles, so it's essential to confirm that your business name isn't already protected under trademark law before moving forward with your branding.
Domain Name Search
Create a website for your business. It's important to check whether the domain name is available. A matching domain name helps build a consistent online presence and improves brand recognition. Use platforms such as GoDaddy or Google Domains to search for your name and check availability. Even if the domain you want is taken, you may be able to purchase it from the current owner.
Search Social Media Platforms
Use social media platforms, namely Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, to make sure the name is available. By doing this, you can confirm your name isn't already in use. Having a consistent name across social media platforms helps establish your brand and build a following. Focus on using the same name across platforms to ensure consistency, and make sure your social handles are free for use.
Search your proposed name and see if any businesses, products, or services are already operating under that name. Google results can also help you identify any negative associations with your name, whether it's connected to unsavory companies or products. Additionally, a Google search will show if the name is already internationally recognized, which could complicate future expansion or branding outside your local market.
Conclusion
A business name is an identity. A good name can leave a strong impression and open doors. By checking business name databases, trademarks, domains, and social media and doing a quick Google search, you can avoid problems later. Taking these steps now will help you build a strong brand that’s ready to grow. It becomes your story, your values, and your promise to the world. People remember your name by how your brand makes them feel.
