Before you print business cards, file an LLC, or build a website, you need to answer one question: is this business name actually available? "Available" means more than just a free domain — it means the name isn't already trademarked in your industry, claimed on social media, and registered by another company in your state.

Miss any of these checks and you risk a costly rebrand later. Here's the complete five-step process, in the order that matters.

1

Check Domain Availability

Start with the domain, because if the .com is taken, it's a strong signal the name is in use. Check .com first, then .co, .io, .ca, .net, and .org. Use a live DNS lookup tool — not a domain registrar's search, which often shows cached or inaccurate results. Our free business name checker uses Cloudflare's DNS-over-HTTPS API for real-time results. If the .com is available, register it immediately — good names disappear fast.

2

Search the USPTO Trademark Database

A domain being available doesn't mean the name is trademark-clear. Search the USPTO TESS database for existing marks in your industry's trademark class. Look for identical names, phonetically similar names, and names with similar meanings. Our tool auto-screens Class 35 (Business Services), Class 42 (Technology), Class 36 (Finance), Class 25 (Apparel), and Class 41 (Education). If you're in a different industry, check the appropriate class manually. When in doubt, consult a trademark attorney — a conflict search is typically $300–$500 and can save you tens of thousands in rebranding costs.

3

Check Social Media Handles

Even if you don't plan to use every platform immediately, claim your handles now. Someone else claiming your brand name on Instagram or TikTok can create lasting confusion for your customers. Check Twitter/X, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube. Our name checker screens all five simultaneously. If a handle is taken on a platform you need, check whether the account is active — inactive accounts can sometimes be reclaimed through the platform's brand protection process.

4

Check State Business Registration

Search your state's Secretary of State business entity database to confirm no other business has registered that exact name in your state. Most state databases are free and searchable online. Note that this is a state-level check — another company may use the same name in a different state and that's often legal, unless they have a federal trademark. If you plan to operate nationally, a federal trademark is the only protection that truly matters.

5

Google the Name

Search the exact name in quotes: "Horizon Labs". Look at the first three pages of results. Are there competing businesses you didn't find in the trademark or state searches? Are there negative associations — news stories, forums, or reviews attached to that name? Does the name return mostly irrelevant results (a good sign it's distinctive) or is it swamped by unrelated searches (a sign it may be too generic)? Also try searching the name plus your industry: "Horizon Labs software".

Do All Five Checks at Once

Running these checks manually across five different sources takes 30–45 minutes per name. If you're vetting a shortlist of five candidates, that's several hours. Our free business name checker consolidates steps 1, 2, and 3 into a single search — live DNS domain lookup, trademark screening across five classes, and social media handle checks — in under 30 seconds.

Check your business name right now

Domain, trademark, and social media availability — free, instant, no signup required.

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What to Do If Your Name Is Already Taken

Don't panic. You have more options than you think:

  • Modify the name slightly — Adding a word like "Labs," "Hub," or "HQ" often produces a clean name. Use our name generator to find available variations automatically.
  • Buy the domain — If the .com is registered but not in active use, you can often buy it from the owner. Use a domain broker or contact the owner directly via WHOIS data.
  • Use an alternative extension — If the .com is taken but .co or .io is free, and the name is otherwise trademark-clear, the alternative extension may work.
  • Reconsider the name entirely — If the name is trademarked in your industry, the safest path is a new name. A rebrand at launch costs far less than a rebrand after two years of growth.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Use BusinessNameChecker.net — it checks domain availability via live DNS, trademark conflicts across 5 USPTO classes, and social media handles simultaneously. Free, no signup required.
Often yes, if it isn't federally trademarked. State registrations are state-level only. But if the other business has a federal trademark, you may be infringing regardless of your state registration. Always check federal trademark records first.
You can try to buy the domain from its current owner, use an alternative extension like .co or .io, or slightly modify the name. Make sure any variation you choose is also trademark-clear before committing.