How to Name a Business After Yourself

Naming a business after yourself is a way to build your brand.

Naming your business is the first step in branding yourself to potential clients; therefore, it is essential to chose a memorable business name. Using your personal name as your brand can have a positive effect, especially if the company is a personalized business such as marketing, consulting or counseling. You must check prior to opening your business doors, because it is necessary to verify no other business holds the registration or trademark to your name.

Instructions

1. Check with your states business registry, to verify that there is not a business with your name currently registered. You can locate your state's business registry by calling the Secretary of State.

2. Verify that the name is not trademarked, by checking with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. You can conduct a free search for trademarked names within the United States. A trademarked name cannot be used. Consider using initials or a middle name.

3. Register your name with the state government, after you verify the name is not in use. According to the Small Business Association, the legal name of a sole-proprietor business will be the name of the business owner. To carry your name through to the fictitious or "doing business as" name you will need to register the name in the state where the business resides.

4. Decide whether to trademark your name or not. Trademarking is expensive, but it lasts up to 10 years. The United States Patent and Trademark Office offers advice and support for those who want to trademark their business.

References

• Small Business Administration: How to Name a Business
• United States Patent and Trademark Office: Trademark Electronic Search System
• Small Business Association: Register Your Fictitious or "Doing Business As" Name

Resources

• United States Patent and Trademark Office
• Small Business Association: Registering Your Business at State Agencies