A specific state, USPTO, domain, and social-handle search sequence to clear a business name before you build a brand around it.
Working through the search sequence before you finalize a name means you find out about a conflict now, not after you've printed business cards.
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Founders routinely pick a business name, print business cards, and build a brand around it before checking whether the name is already trademarked, then face a costly rebrand months later when a conflict surfaces.
This checklist walks through a specific search sequence before you finalize a name: your state's business registry, the USPTO trademark database, domain availability, and social handles across your key platforms. Documenting what you searched and when also matters if you ever need to show good-faith clearance.
We built this after noticing most 'pick a business name' advice skips the actual clearance steps entirely. A specific search sequence, done before printing anything, is what actually prevents a rebrand.
— DaveWays
State registry, USPTO, domain, and social handles, in an order that catches conflicts before you commit.
Similar names in your industry can still conflict; the USPTO step covers more than an exact match search.
Keep a record of what you searched and when, useful if you ever need to show good-faith clearance.
Do I need a lawyer to do this search?
No, this checklist covers the self-service search steps; a lawyer becomes useful if you find a potential conflict and need a professional opinion.
What if my exact name isn't registered but a similar one is?
Similar names in your industry can still conflict; that's why the checklist covers more than an exact-match search.
How long does this whole process take?
Most founders can work through the full sequence in under an hour, though acting on findings, like choosing an alternate name, can take longer.
Business Name & Trademark Research Checklist (Free Preview) — download a condensed version free, no purchase required, to see if it's a fit before you buy.
Business Name & Trademark Research Checklist is $12.99 USD, one-time payment, instant delivery, no subscription. Covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee. See our refund policy and terms.
