Thought of a good name for your new business, or as a brand for a new product or service? Your first step: check that the name hasn't already been registered by another business.
If it has, you risk a costly row and a trade mark infringement or a 'passing off' action in the courts. You can get into trouble even if your name is merely similar to a name already being used.
Here are links so you can carry out three quick initial checks to see if your name (or a name like it) is already registered at an official UK Registry.
The checks are quick, easy and completely free, and could save you a lot of money later.
Companies House Check
Click the heading to see if an identical name has been registered as a UK limited company name. If it has, you can click on the company number to see basic details like when it was registered, its official address, whether it's trading and when it last filed accounts or an annual return.
Trade Mark Name Check
Click the heading to check if your name has already been registered as an identical UK trade mark in relation to the sort of goods or services you sell. Any similar marks (including phonetically similar names e.g. 'Photomagic' and 'Fotomagik') that are registered may also cause problems and ideally you also need to make sure no such similar marks are registered - but detailed checking for similar marks is a highly skilled task. You will need professional help to do this.
Domain name check for .com and domain name check for .co.uk
Click either part of the heading to check to see if your name has been registered as a domain name under the main domains. (The .co.uk search is hidden away in the bottom right hand corner of the Nominet home page, and you must enter the full domain name, including '.co.uk').
A clear check?
This doesn't mean your name is available. You need to do more due diligence before you go ahead. But if there is an obvious problem with another business, these checks can flag it up early, while you can still take control of the situation.
What do I do next?
Once you've carried out your name check, click the relevant links below to help you decide what to do next.
I haven't found anything - am I OK?
I've found a problem - what shall I do?
What about my existing names - can I register and protect them?
Can I monitor and stop other businesses from using my names?
We hope the above information gives you a good start - but when you're ready to get serious about your name, contact us for help and advice.
