It is important that new business owners put thought into choosing a business name.
Most importantly, the name a business owner chooses should be unique; no other business should have the same name.
If a name is already in use and is legally protected, for example through a trademark or service mark, the new business owner is not legally able to use the name. Be sure to verify name availability.
Suggested Resources
Connecticut Secretary of the State
Go to the Concord database online to verify if a business name is already in use or call 860-509-6002.
Keep in mind that only corporations, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, and limited liability companies register with the Secretary of the State.
Sole proprietors and general partnerships register with the town clerk in the town in which the business is based and are excluded from registering with the Secretary of the State.
All entities that register with the Secretary of the State must have a unique name in that more than one business can not share or have a similar name.
The Secretary of the State also registers and administers state-level trade and service marks.
For a fee, the agency accepts search requests. Information and links to forms can be found online on the Concord (www.concord-sots.ct.gov) database.
Contact the agency: (860) 509-6006 or [email protected] Agency website: www.sots.ct.gov.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Verify that the name has not been protected on the federal level through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Contact the office at 800-786-9199 Agency website: www.uspto.gov.
Additionally, assistance is available through official patent and trademark depository libraries. Although Connecticut no longer has a library, New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts have one or more libraries. For a complete listing of depository libraries and links to their websites visit www.uspto.gov.
Additional Resources:
- Search AT&T’s directory assistance database or other online searches
- Ask the librarian of a local library for business databases such as Dun & Bradstreet
- Check in the town clerk’s office for business registrations
- Tool to generate business name
Alfie Wilson, Esq., is a legal content writer with expertise in business formation, criminal law, veterans disability, family law, DUI law, personal injury, animal welfare, and legal writing. He holds a J.D. from Emory University School of Law and has experience in appellate advocacy and regulatory matters. Alfie’s passion lies in breaking down complex legal topics for a non-lawyer audience. He currently writes for law firms and non-profits on various issues and resides in Arlington, Virginia.
