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Congratulations! You’ve decided to form an LLC and bring your entrepreneurial dream to life. But before you pop the confetti, there’s one crucial step: giving your business its very own, unique name. And yes, it absolutely must stand out.

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When naming your LLC, you’ll need to ensure it’s completely different from any other limited liability companies in your state. While naming rules vary by state, sometimes even small tweaks like changing punctuation or switching a word from singular to plural can do the trick. That said, you’re better off choosing a name that’s truly distinct—it makes the whole process much smoother.

No matter what, one rule is consistent across the board: your LLC’s name must include “limited liability company” or an abbreviation of it (like LLC, L.L.C., etc.). The exact abbreviations allowed will depend on your state, so double-check your state’s specific guidelines before moving forward.

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How to Make Sure Your LLC Name Stands Out

Here’s where the detective work comes in! You’ll want to research thoroughly to see if your dream name is available. Start with the basics—search for it on Google, check social media platforms, and then dive into your Secretary of State’s business database.

But there’s more: your name also can’t already be trademarked. Trademarks fall into two categories—state and federal. To ensure your name isn’t federally trademarked, head to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website and search for your desired business name or logo.

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State trademarks are a little trickier to verify, as not all states provide an online search tool for this. Luckily, the USPTO offers a handy resource with links to state trademark offices. Start by reaching out to your state’s office to confirm no one else has already claimed your name.

 

Should You Trademark Your LLC’s Name?

Once you’ve confirmed that your name is available, you might want to consider registering your own trademark.

• State Trademark: A cost-effective option that’s simpler to obtain. However, it only protects your name within that state.

• Federal Trademark: While more expensive and time-consuming, a federal trademark gives you exclusive rights across the entire United States, along with the coveted ® symbol for added credibility and protection.

Trademarking your name ensures that no one else can use it—or anything too similar—giving your business an extra layer of security.

 

What About a DBA Name?

If you want to operate under a different name than your LLC’s official one, consider registering a DBA (short for “doing business as”). A DBA can be incredibly useful if your business offers a variety of products or services. Think of it as an alias for your LLC, helping you differentiate between different aspects of your business.

 

Naming Rules and Restrictions

Keep in mind that each state has specific regulations when it comes to naming your LLC. For instance, words like “bank,” “insurance,” and “engineering” are often restricted and may require additional licensing or paperwork. Similarly, words that could mislead the public or sound offensive are typically off-limits.

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Pro Tip: Reserve Your LLC Name and Domain

After all the effort you’ve put into choosing the perfect name, don’t let someone else snatch it up! Most states allow you to reserve your LLC name for a small fee while you finalize your paperwork. It’s a great way to lock it down before making things official.

And while you’re at it, snag your business’s domain name for its website. Even if you’re not ready to launch online, reserving the domain ensures it’ll be ready to go when the time comes.

Naming your LLC is an exciting step toward building your dream business. With a little research and some forward planning, you’ll be ready to take the next step—confident that your business name is as unique as your vision.