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You've found the perfect business name. But is it actually available? Before you order business cards and design a logo, you need to verify availability across multiple channels.
This guide walks you through every check you need to make.
The 6 Essential Availability Checks
Domain Name
Can you get the .com or relevant TLD?
Trademark
Is it legally protected in your category?
Social Media
Are handles available on key platforms?
State Registration
Is it registered in your state?
Google Search
Who else is using this name?
App Stores
Is it taken in iOS/Android stores?
Check 1: Domain Availability
This is usually the make-or-break check. If you can't get a reasonable domain, the name might not be viable.
Where to Check
| Resource | What It Checks | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| namemyapp | 500+ TLDs, real-time | Shows only available names |
| Namecheap | Multiple TLDs | Manual search |
| GoDaddy | Multiple TLDs | Watch for upsells |
| WHOIS lookup | Single domain details | Shows owner info |
Domain Availability Decision Matrix
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| .com available at standard price | ✅ Best case—register it |
| .com taken, .io/.ai available | ⚠️ Viable for tech startups |
| Only obscure TLDs available | ❌ Consider different name |
| .com available but expensive ($5K+) | 💰 Evaluate vs. new name cost |
With namemyapp, you only see names with available domains. Skip the back-and-forth of manual checking.
Check 2: Trademark Search
Domain availability ≠ legal availability. You can own a domain but still face trademark issues if someone else has rights to the name in your industry.
US Trademark Search Process
Search USPTO Database
Go to USPTO TESS and search for your exact name.
Search Variations
Also search for phonetically similar names and common misspellings.
Check Relevant Classes
Trademarks are registered by category (Nice Classification). Check if conflicts exist in YOUR industry class.
Consider State Trademarks
Federal search doesn't cover all state registrations. Check your state's database.
Key Trademark Classes for Tech
| Class | Category | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Class 9 | Software, apps, electronics | Most SaaS products |
| Class 35 | Business services, advertising | Marketing, consulting |
| Class 42 | Technology services, SaaS | Development, hosting |
| Class 38 | Telecommunications | Communication apps |
You can legally have the same name as another company if you're in completely different industries. Delta Airlines and Delta Faucets coexist legally.
Check 3: Social Media Handles
Priority Platforms
| Platform | Importance | How to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | High | twitter.com/[name] |
| High | instagram.com/[name] | |
| High (B2B) | linkedin.com/company/[name] | |
| TikTok | Medium | tiktok.com/@[name] |
| YouTube | Medium | youtube.com/@[name] |
Bulk Checking Tools
- Namechk.com — Checks 100+ platforms at once
- KnowEm.com — Comprehensive social/domain check
- Namecheckr.com — Quick visual availability
Pros
- ✓ Consistent handle = stronger brand
- ✓ Early registration prevents squatters
- ✓ Unified presence looks professional
Cons
- ✗ Inactive accounts may be reclaimable
- ✗ Variations (_name, nameHQ) can work
- ✗ Some platforms allow name changes later
Check 4: State Business Registration
If someone has registered your business name in your state, you may not be able to use it legally—even without a federal trademark.
How to Check
Find Your Secretary of State
Google "[Your State] Secretary of State business search"
Search Business Database
Enter your exact business name and variations
Check Status
"Active" registrations are conflicts. "Dissolved" or "Inactive" may be available.
State Database Quick Links
| State | Database |
|---|---|
| Delaware | corp.delaware.gov |
| California | businesssearch.sos.ca.gov |
| New York | dos.ny.gov |
| Texas | sos.state.tx.us |
| Florida | sunbiz.org |
Check 5: Google Search
Even without legal conflicts, you don't want to share a name with a controversial company or compete for SEO.
What to Search
| Search Query | What You're Looking For |
|---|---|
| "Business Name" (quotes) | Exact matches, existing companies |
| Business Name + your industry | Direct competitors |
| BusinessName.com | What's currently on the domain |
- Negative news associations with the name - Established competitor in same space - Controversial meanings in other contexts - Adult content associations
Check 6: App Store Search (If Applicable)
If you're building an app:
- Apple App Store — Search exact name
- Google Play Store — Search exact name
Having the same name as a popular app will confuse users and hurt your discoverability.
Decision Framework
Is the domain available?
No → Consider different name or evaluate premium purchase
Any trademark conflicts in your class?
Yes → Legal risk, likely avoid the name
Social handles available?
Some → Often workable with variations
Clean Google search?
Issues → Evaluate severity, may be dealbreaker
Skip the Manual Process
Instead of checking each name manually, generate names that are pre-verified available:
Ready to Find Your Perfect Domain?
Generate AI-powered business names with guaranteed availability. No signup required.
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