How do I check if a business name is available?

How to Check Business Name Availability in Massachusetts

Before registering your business in Massachusetts, it is essential to verify that your desired business name is available. This ensures compliance with state requirements and helps avoid conflicts with existing businesses.

Steps to Check Business Name Availability

• Search the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth Database: Use the Corporation Search tool to look up existing business names. This database includes corporations, LLCs, and other registered entities.
• Check for Trademarks: Review the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to ensure your business name does not infringe on federally registered trademarks.
• Consider Domain Name Availability: Verify if the corresponding domain name is available for your online presence, which supports branding and marketing efforts.

Operational Tips

• Reserve Your Business Name: If your name is available, you can file a name reservation with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth to hold it for up to 60 days while you prepare your registration documents.
• Plan for Compliance: Ensure your business name complies with Massachusetts naming rules, such as including required entity identifiers (e.g., LLC, Corp) and avoiding prohibited words.
• Recordkeeping: Keep documentation of your name search and reservation as part of your business records for future reference and compliance checks.