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Jurisdiction-By-Jurisdiction Listing of Business Name Restrictions/Required Consent

Home Jurisdiction-By-Jurisdiction Listing of Business Name Restrictions/Required Consent

Submitted by UCS on May 17, 2021

One of the most exciting parts of starting a new company is selecting the name. Your name will have special meaning and helps to identify your brand or product when the public hears it. Having the right name can oftentimes have an impact on the success of your business.

Before settling in on a name, it is important to determine that the one you are selecting is actually available to use. More often than not, the idea you believe is unique is not so unique after all. Filing offices across the United States have specific rules in place that require the name of an entity to be distinguishable from what already exist in their database. Imagine coming up with the name of your company and purchasing stationary that includes business cards and letterhead only to discover that another company owns your precious name.

What can you do to minimize or avoid conflict? Some actions to take to avoid conflict would be:

  • Conduct a name availability search with the Secretary of State
  • Perform a trademark search
  • Determine if the proposed name requires consent from a department or agency outside the Secretary of State
  • Reserve the name in the state of formation and all other jurisdictions you intend on conducting business in

Jurisdictions do not allow any name to be used and each has unique requirements that must be followed in order to allow a name to be utilized in their jurisdiction. Attached is a list of Jurisdiction By Jurisdiction list of names and words that are restricted or require consent for use.

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For additional information regarding names and for assistance to reserve and determine availability contact a CSR at (800) 899-8648 or info@unitedcorporate.com