The use of the following terms in a business name requires written authorization from the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance: “insurance”, “insurance”, “surety”, “fiduciousness”, “reinsurance”, “reinsurance” or “indemnity”. Whether or not you register a trademark, it`s good to know if your name is already taken. If the requested name is not available, a notice of rejection is sent (the $25 fee still applies) and includes instructions on how to submit another application at no additional cost. First, you need to perform a business name search to make sure that the name you want for your business is not already in use in your state. Once you have checked availability, you will need to fill out the name reservation form. The exact information required may vary from state to state, but you will likely include: Standard: Depending on the state`s specific processing times; However, usually about 7-10 business daysHurry: Depending on education status, specific processing times that are about 5-7 business days (add an extra $150 for emergency fees) Up to three preferences can be submitted for a name reservation; If the first choice is available, it is reserved and the second and third choices are not checked. In some states with inexpensive name reservations, it may be worth it. For example, states like Iowa and North Dakota offer name reservations for as little as $10, but other states like Pennsylvania charge well over $100, in which case that service loses its value. A corporation is a separate legal entity from its owners with a basic operating structure consisting of shareholders, officers, directors and employees. A C Corp corporate structure protects your personal assets. Businesses need a unique name and need to meet certain naming requirements, here are some common requirements: Your name affects your brand, marketing, etc. Sometimes you might think about the perfect business name before you`re ready to onboard, so it`s no surprise that some business owners choose to reserve a business name.
Check out our country-specific business name registry guides to learn how to register a business name: When it comes to registering in Delaware, many small business owners wonder if they should register in Delaware. Many business owners choose Delaware because it`s an easier process when registering a business entity, and it`s usually cheaper. With this, it`s not always the ideal solution, and you should do more research to find out if listing in Delaware is the right choice for your business goals. It`s also a good idea to see if someone else in your industry already has a similar name to the one you want to use. You can do this by searching for search terms related to your industry and brand. You can opt for a different business name to stand out. The main difference that we must communicate is that the reservation of a trade name does not in any way register this name for commercial purposes or form a commercial entity of any kind. If you really want to use your reserved name, there are other steps than those listed in this guide.
For example, take a look at our guides on DBA filing, LLC formation, and starting companies for your next steps. When it comes to name reservation, you must first choose a name that has not already been assigned by another company and reserve it at the office of the Secretary of State in your home state. After finding the right business name, you need to take extra steps to make sure you can use the name legally. In addition, you should check the names available in your state of residence. Please note that tax office staff can help you create an advance payment account, but cannot determine name availability or reserve a name. In general, we generally recommend our readers to go ahead and integrate when they find a good business name. If you`re going to do it anyway, why wait while incurring unnecessary costs for the process? Booking a name is sometimes the right choice for a business, but that doesn`t necessarily mean it`s a good option for you. Unlike the state of Alabama, which requires a business name reservation for each incorporation (or other business formation like an LLC), there`s usually no good reason to reserve a name without actually forming your business unit. The names of companies, limited liability companies and limited partnerships can be assumed as follows: To learn more about name reservation, you can post your job posting on the UpCounsel website. UpCounsel attorneys provide additional information about reserving company names and what you need to do during the registration process.
In addition, you will receive more information about the necessary maintenance procedures for your business. Reserving a name isn`t the hardest or time-consuming process in the business world, but if you`d rather hire a business professional services provider, you have this option. If another company has registered your intended name or has a name that sounds like yours, government officials will not allow you to register it. This rule applies to the following entities: If the name is available, the name is reserved and a name reservation number is sent to the object. If you frequently reserve names for corporations, limited liability companies, or limited partnerships, see the priority prepaid phone service below for information on setting up a prepaid account to reserve names over the phone. To cancel the registration of a foreign name before the end of the calendar year, a certificate of cancellation of registration of a foreign name (PDF) may be submitted to the California Secretary of State. In addition, reserving a business name in only one state ensures its availability in that particular state. For large corporations and LLCs, this is a disadvantage. You want your branding to be consistent across state borders, which can mean buying multiple name reservations, in which case it may seem pretty complicated.
A suffix added to a word, or any other variation or derivation of the same word, makes names indistinguishable. To register or reserve a name, you can visit the Secretary of State`s website for more information about your state`s registration process and fee structure. The registration fee itself depends on the state you live in, but the fee is usually around $100 in many cases. If you intend to register your business name immediately, or if you don`t know when you can successfully submit the documentation, you should reserve your company name first. Finally, you should not file a name reservation if another registered business is already using that name in the state. If someone has already claimed the name, your booking request will be refused. And since the registration fee is non-refundable, you`ll spend as much as you spent. As useful as a name reservation can be, it is not the right option for everyone in all circumstances. When it comes to name search, don`t stop at the state level.
Your intended name may also be registered as a trademark. First, look for a list of different places to search for business names to make sure the name isn`t used elsewhere. If you no longer want the reserved name, you must perform procedures to resolve the name. Whichever name you choose, it may also be a good idea to reserve the name first.