How do I check if a business name is available?

How to Check if a Business Name is Available in Oregon

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

Steps to Check Business Name Availability

• Visit the Oregon Secretary of State’s Business Registry: Use the online Business Name Search tool provided by the Oregon Secretary of State to check if your proposed name is already in use or reserved.
• Search for Similar Names: Enter your desired business name and review results for identical or confusingly similar names to avoid potential rejection during registration.
• Consider Name Requirements: Ensure your name complies with Oregon naming rules, such as including required entity designators (e.g., LLC, Inc.) depending on your business structure.
• Reserve the Name (Optional): If the name is available and you want to secure it before filing formation documents, you can file a Name Reservation with the Secretary of State for a fee.

Additional Operational Considerations

• Trademark Search: Check the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to ensure your business name does not infringe on federally registered trademarks.
• Domain Name Availability: Verify that a matching domain name is available to support your online presence and branding.
• Recordkeeping: Document your name search results and any reservation filings as part of your business registration records.

As of 2026, regularly checking name availability helps streamline your business registration and licensing process in Oregon.