How to Name a Business in Mississippi
When naming a business, consider the image you want to portray to customers. Business names not only tell customers about the type of business, but should also conjure up images of professional service and quality goods. A memorable business name helps draw customers to your store or website. In Mississippi, you can't use business names in use by other businesses. Research business names before opening your business to find a suitable name that is unique to your business.
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Instructions
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Create a list of possible business names. Choose names that demonstrate the function of your business. Business names should also be easy for customers to remember.
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Research business names to see if other Mississippi businesses are already using these names. Visit the Mississippi Secretary of State website (see Resources) to conduct a search of registered businesses. Narrow your list to include only business names not currently in use by other businesses in Mississippi.
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Contact the county clerk's office that oversees the county in which you plan to open your business to conduct a Fictitious or Doing Business As name search. Businesses operating under a name different from the owner must be registered with the county clerk's office as a Fictitious or Doing Business As name. Many county clerk's offices maintain online databases for quick searches.
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Say the names out loud and write each one down next to the logo or slogan you want to use. Gather opinions of businesspeople you respect to help you make a final decision.
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Tips & Warnings
Conduct domain name searches to determine if you can use your business name as your website address as well. If not, choose a domain name that is close to your business name.
Use online and print business directories for the state of Mississippi to see if an unregistered business is using the same business name. Even though that business is not registered with the Mississippi Secretary of State's Office or the county where you want to open your business, the name still belongs to the business. You cannot legally use the name.
References
Resources
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