How to Check Business Name Availability Easily (Step-by-Step Guide)

You’ve finally found it: the perfect name for your new Shopify store. It is catchy, distinct, and like the one. However, there is one important question to be answered before you begin to create logos; that is, is my business name available? As I have learned assisting merchants in opening eCommerce brands, not conducting an extensive search of the availability of the business name will turn out to be a source of legal sadness. I’ll guide you through how to check business name availability properly, protecting your brand identity and ensuring your startup is sound.

What Does “Business Name Availability” Actually Mean?

"Business name availability” refers to the fact that your name is legally unique and not duplicable in any of the registered businesses and trademarks in the jurisdictions of interest (state, federal, and online). This will make sure that your business will be able to be registered without issue, and it will also prevent possible conflicts in law, including lawsuits on trademark infringement or the confusion of a customer.

Legal Availability vs. Brand Availability

First, it is the availability of a legal business name. This is the side of things belonging to the government. When the Secretary of State sees your paperwork and tells you, "Sure, there is no one else registered in this state using the name EcoGlow LLC.

But the fact that the state says it is so does not imply the same thing about the market. The public side is the brand availability. Is there a massive corporation in another state using that name? Will customers find a different company when they search for you? A name can be legally free, but a branding nightmare if it’s already crowded in the minds of your customers.

The Big Three: Business Name ≠ Trademark ≠ Domain

This is where many beginners get tripped up. I always tell my clients to view these as three separate keys to a single lock:

1. The Legal Entity Name: This is your "official" name for taxes and contracts (like your LLC).
2. The Trademark: This is your intellectual property. A trademark search tells you if someone else has a federal "keep out" sign on that name nationwide. You might get the LLC name, but if someone else owns the trademark, you could be sued for trademark infringement.
3. The Domain & Social Handles: This is your digital real estate. Domain name availability is crucial because, in eCommerce, if you can't get the .com or a clean social handle, your brand identity will struggle to gain traction.

Why You Must Check Multiple Layers

I’ve seen merchants register their business name and buy a beautiful theme, only to realize two weeks later that the domain is being held for $10,000 by a squatter, or worse, that a competitor has a trademark on a similar-sounding name.

Checking only one layer is a massive risk. We want to ensure naming compliance across the board. By verifying all three, we protect your startup's legal checklist and avoid the high costs of a forced rebranding down the road. We aren't just looking for a name; we are looking for a clear path to growth.

5 Easy Steps to Check Availability For Your Business Name

To check your business name's availability, search your State Secretary of State database, the USPTO trademark database, for domain name registrars (like GoDaddy), and on major social media platforms (like Namechecker) to ensure it's not taken legally or online, preventing conflicts and securing your brand's online presence.

Step 1: Check Business Name Availability with Your State

Before you can legally sell products, you need a "home base". In the US, this is handled by the Secretary of State (SOS). If another LLC has your name in your state, the government will simply reject your paperwork.

• How to do it: Open Google and search: "[Your State] Secretary of State business search". Every state has a business name search tool (like California’s "bizfile" or Florida’s "Sunbiz").
• The "Distinguishable" Rule: This is the most common reason for rejection. States don’t just care about exact matches. If "Bright Studios LLC" already exists, you likely cannot register "The Bright Studio & Co".
• Restricted Words: Avoid using words like Bank, Insurance, University, or CPA unless you actually have the licenses to back them up. Using these without permission is a fast track to a rejected application.

If you’re not ready to file your LLC yet, most states allow you to "Reserve" a name for 30 to 120 days for a small fee (usually 20 - 50). This "locks" the name while you build your brand.

Note: Outside the U.S., look for your country’s business registry office and perform the same check under the equivalent government authority.

Step 2: Check Trademark Availability (Avoid Lawsuits)

It is this that makes me stay up late on behalf of my clients. A state registration defends you in your backyard, whereas a trademark puts a keep-out sign in the whole country.

• USPTO Search: As of early 2025, the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) has fully transitioned to a new, cloud-based Trademark Center. It is much more intuitive than the old systems, but you still need to know what you’re looking for. The "Knockout Search", this is your first move. You are looking for any "dead on arrival" conflicts. If your exact name is already registered for a similar product, you need to stop and pivot immediately.
• Likelihood of Confusion: This is the legal standard. We aren't just looking for identical names. If you want to sell "Katz" brand coffee and someone else owns "Cats" brand tea, you are risking trademark infringement. Because the names sound similar and the products are in a similar category, a judge might say customers would be confused.

Registered vs. Common Law: Although a name may not be in the USPTO database, in the case that a merchant has been using the name for years on his or her own site, they may have Common Law rights. That is why our further actions - visiting Google and marketplaces are so important.

Outside the U.S.?
Look for your country’s trademark authority (e.g., NOIP in Vietnam, UK IPO, CIPO, EUIPO, IP Australia).

Step 3: Check Domain Name Availability

For those of us in the eCommerce world, your domain is your digital "address". Your URL should match your business name exactly to boost your SEO and build customer trust. If you can't get a domain that is easy to type, say, and remember, your marketing will always struggle. A clean domain helps with SEO (Search Engine Optimization) because it tells Google exactly who you are. If your store is "Bright Studio" but your URL is bright-studio-deals-online.net, customers will likely forget it, or worse, think it’s a scam.

• Use a Search Tool: Go to a registrar like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or search directly within the Shopify domain portal.
• Look for the "Clean" Version: First, type in your exact business name (e.g., BrightStudio.com).
• Check the Price: Sometimes a domain is "available" but costs $5,000 because a "squatter" is holding it. If it’s within your budget, grab it. If not, it’s time for a pivot.

Step 4: Check Social Media Handle Availability

Nothing kills a brand's vibe faster than having @BrightStudio on Instagram but @BrightStudio_Official_99 on TikTok. In 2025, your customers expect a "Unified Handle".

• The Reason behind Consistency: You can use the same handle on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X (Twitter), and avoid impersonation and make marketing after all so much easier.
• The Tool to the Job: I suggest such a tool as Namechk or Knowem. You enter your name once, and your name scans dozens of platforms immediately.
• Expert Note: If your exact handle is taken by an inactive account (someone who hasn't posted since 2014), you might be able to claim it later if you have a registered trademark, but for now, it's easier to find a name that is clear across the board.

Step 5: Do a Google & Marketplace Search

This is our "street-level" check. This is where we look for the small players who might not have an LLC or a trademark but still have a strong presence that could interfere with your growth.

• The Google Deep Dive: Search your name in quotation marks (e.g., "Bright Studio").

Look for: Are the first three pages of Google already filled with a company that has your name? Even if they are in a different industry, you will be fighting an uphill battle to rank on Page 1 for your own name.

• The Marketplace Check: Search Amazon, Etsy, and existing Shopify stores. Many successful brands operate without formal registration. If someone is already a "Power Seller" on Amazon under your name, they could eventually file for a trademark and force a rebranding on you just as you start to get successful.

The Bottom Line: We want to find a name with "clear air". By following these five steps, you ensure that your startup legal checklist is complete and your brand is built on solid ground.

Common Mistakes When Checking Business Name Availability

Examples of pitfalls when verifying the availability of a business name include: checking a single source (such as a state register), overlooking similar names and trademark conflicts, omitting domain name and social media account searches, and narrow search (using misspellings/variations), all of which may result in legal problems, brand confusion, and headaches in marketing.

Stopping at the State Level

This is the #1 mistake. Many founders check their state registry (like the Secretary of State) and think they’re done.

• The Problem: The state only tells you if you can register an LLC there. It doesn't tell you if someone in another state has a federal trademark that can shut you down nationwide.
• How to avoid it: Always pair your state search with a trademark search on the USPTO website. You need a "Yes" from both to be safe.

Ignoring "Similar" Names

I once had a merchant tell me, "The name 'Katz' was taken, so I'm going with 'Catz' - it's different!"

• The Problem: Legally, spelling doesn't always save you. If a name sounds the same or looks the same as a competitor in your industry, it’s considered trademark infringement.
• How to avoid it: When searching, look for phonetic matches. If it sounds the same when spoken aloud, it’s probably too close.

Neglecting Social Media & Domains

You might get the legal name approved, only to find out that a teenager on TikTok has owned the @YourBrand handle since 2018 and won’t sell it.

• The Problem: A fragmented brand identity (different names on different platforms) makes you look amateur and hurts your SEO.
• How to avoid it: Use a business name search tool like Namechk to check domains and social handles at the same time as your legal search.

Being Too Rigid with Your Search

Some people search for "Bright Studio" and find nothing, so they think they are safe. They forget to search for "Bright-Studio" or "The Bright Studio".

• The Problem: Databases are literal. If you don't search for variations, you might miss a huge competitor who is just one hyphen away.
• How to avoid it: Try 3 or 4 versions of your name. Add "The", remove spaces, or use a plural version to see if anything pops up.

Choosing Generic or "Boring" Terms

It’s tempting to name your store "Quality Leather Bags" because it describes what you sell.

• The Problem: You generally cannot trademark a generic description. Plus, you’ll be competing with millions of other "leather bag" search results on Google.
• How to avoid it: Aim for a "brandable" name - something unique like Zappos or Shopify. These are easier to protect and much easier for customers to remember.

Missing Industry-Specific Rules

If you are in a field like finance, healthcare, or professional services, there are extra "naming compliance" rules you must follow.

• The Problem: Using words like "Bank", "Trust", "Clinic", or "Certified" often requires a special license. If you use them without permission, your registration will be rejected immediately.
• How to avoid it: Check your state's "restricted words" list for your specific industry before you fall in love with a name.

What to Do If Your Business Name Is Taken?

If your business name is taken, modify it with additions (location, "Solutions"), try variations (spelling, synonyms), or buy it from the owner; otherwise, consider a new name, but always check trademark/domain availability first, perhaps using Shopify or USPTO databases to secure alternatives like different TLDs or unique handles.

1. Double-Check the "Extent" of the Ownership

Before we throw in the towel, we need to see exactly how "taken" the name really is.

• Look for Breathing Room: Is the name taken as a federal trademark, or is it just a small mom-and-pop shop in another country?
• Search for Variations: Use a business name search tool to check the USPTO and state registries for similar names. Sometimes, a name is taken in the "Automotive" category, but it’s wide open for "eCommerce and Apparel".
• Check Social Activity: If the Instagram handle is taken but hasn't posted since 2012, that’s a very different situation than a competitor who is actively posting every day.

2. The "Smart Tweak" Strategy

You don't always have to change the core of your name. A few small modifiers can help you check business name availability and pass the "distinguishable" test with the state.

• Add Modifiers: If "Urban Bloom" is gone, we often suggest "Urban Bloom & Co", "Urban Bloom Collective", or "Urban Bloom Boutique".
• Use Action Words: For Shopify stores, I love adding words like "Get", "Shop", or "Buy" to the start. Not only does it help with domain availability, but it also creates a built-in "Call to Action".
• Add Your Location: If you’re proud of your roots, "Miami Urban Bloom" or "Urban Bloom NYC" can give your brand a local, trustworthy feel.

3. Explore New Names & "Domain Hacks"

If the modification feels clunky, it might be time to broaden your horizons.

• Mix and Match: Try merging two concepts (a "portmanteau"). If you like "Clean" and "Soap", maybe you can become "Cleanso".
• Use Your Own Name: Never underestimate the power of a personal brand. If you’re a sole proprietor, your own name is often the easiest to trademark and protect.
• Get Creative with TLDs: If the .com is gone, we look at .co, .io, .shop, or even "domain hacks" like visual.ly. In 2025, shoppers are much more tech-savvy and comfortable with these alternatives.
• Use Tools Wisely: If you’re truly stuck, try a business name generator to spark fresh ideas - but always run those ideas through our 5-step checklist afterward!

4. Can You Buy the Rights?

Sometimes, a name is "taken" by someone who isn't even using it.

• The Inactive Owner: If a domain is parked or a social handle is dead, you can try to reach out and buy it.
• License the Name: In some rare cases, you can arrange a licensing agreement to use a name in a specific territory or industry.
• Act Fast: If you find a great alternative that is available, register it immediately. In the digital world, "available" can change in a matter of minutes.

5. The "Safety First" Final Check

Whatever it is, do not get yourself caught in the legal trap because of the strain of an usurped name.

• The Trademark Shield: Learn to do a new, thorough trademark search before you give in to a Plan B name. We also want to make sure that your new decision does not contain its share of trademark infringement liabilities.
• Consult the Pros: If you’re planning to invest a lot of money in your brand or buy an existing domain from someone else, I always recommend talking to a lawyer. It’s a small price to pay for brand-name protection and peace of mind.

Others also read

• How to Protect Your Business Names
• Creative eCommerce Business Name Ideas
• Lucky Business Names Ideas For Your Store
• World-Class Shop Name Ideas for Any Niche

Wrapping Up

It is thrilling to come up with a name that you like, but to check it is the point of real brand building. We have discussed the state registries in the online land grab. With this guide, you have ensured that your business is not subject to legal troubles and rebranding dangers. After the hard work of ensuring that you check the business name availability, you are now given the go-ahead to create something legendary. Go ahead - it’s time to launch!

FAQs About Checking Business Name Availability

1. Can two businesses have the same name?
Technically, yes - but only if they operate in completely different industries or different geographic locations. For example, "Delta" is both an airline and a faucet company. However, for an eCommerce store, I strongly advise against it. Since you are selling online, you are competing nationally. If another brand has your name, you’ll face a constant "likelihood of confusion" battle, which is the fast track to a trademark infringement lawsuit.

2. Is a DBA protected?
No. Think of a DBA (Doing Business As) as just a nickname. It allows you to do business under a brand name, but it offers zero brand name protection. It doesn't stop someone else from registering an LLC with that name or trademarking it. In my experience, a DBA is a great starting point for "testing" a name, but it’s not a legal shield.

3. Do I need a trademark to start?
You don’t need an officially registered trademark to launch your Shopify store, but you do need to perform a deep trademark search. Most of the merchants I work with launch first and file the paperwork once they see the brand is profitable. The goal is to make sure you aren't "stepping on any toes" today so you don't have to face an expensive rebranding tomorrow.

4. Can I use a name if the domain is taken?
You can legally, but strategically, it is a gamble. In the event that the .com is occupied by a domain squatter (someone simply attempting to sell the URL), you can simply substitute it with one of the alternatives, such as. Shop or Co. But when the active business is already utilizing that domain, then you should pivot. You do not want to waste your marketing budget on making people go to a URL that is owned by another person.