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Choosing a Business Name

What's in a name? Quite a bit, actually, when it comes to naming your business. It's important to choose a name that stands apart from the crowd, is easy to remember and describes your business. But there are some legal and practical considerations as well, such as copyrights and availability of web domains. This section also covers fictitious business names, the process of registering your business name and more. To see other steps to keep in mind, download FindLaw's Guide to Starting a Business [pdf].

Learn About Choosing a Business Name

Business Names Do's and Don'ts
What to do and what not to do when choosing a business name
Choosing a Business Name
Overview of what to consider when choosing a business name
Chronology: Choosing a Business Name
A chronological list of steps for choosing a business name
Fictitious Business Names: Do You Need One?
Basics of why you may need a fictitious business name
Business Names: Trademarks and Domain Names
Business names, trademark law and domain name availability

Naming Your Business: Introduction
How to get started when selecting a business name
Pros and Cons: Business Name Choices
How to choose a name that's right for your business and its future growth
Registering the Name of Your Business
The legal process for registering your business name
Starting Your Own Business: Business Name Availability
Determining the availability of business names
Understanding Business Name Terminology
The basics of legal names, fictitious names and other types of business names

Choosing a Business Name Articles