Picking the Perfect Name for Your Corporation

In chosing a name for your corporation, it's a good idea to start the process with several choices, and then research those that are available. It's very possible that your first choice may not be.

In general, no Secretary of State will allow the filing of Articles of Incorporation if the corporate name is the same as, or closely resembles, any name on each state's official list of corporate names. This list includes names of corporations in good standing, foreign corporations qualified to transact business in the state, and corporate names reserved in the state. Read Trademark Considerations in Choosing a Corporate Name for more details.

Another reason for starting with several choices for your corporate name is that not only will you be choosing a name and incorporating to do business in your state of choice, but you'll also be choosing an Internet domain name for your corporation. If possible, having the corporate name bear some relation to the corporation's domain name is preferable. Because of the international aspects of the Internet, the selection of a domain name increases the possibilities that you'll be unable to use your first choice of a domain name.