Register your new business name.
**Checking a Business Name: A Comprehensive Guide**
When starting a new business in Australia, one of the crucial steps is to check if the business name you have chosen is available for registration. This process ensures that your business operates under a unique and distinguishable name that is not already in use by another entity. In this article, we will explore the importance of checking a business name and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
### Why Check a Business Name?
Before you start your business, it is essential to check if your chosen business name is available for registration. This is crucial because if someone else has already registered the name, you will need to choose a different one. Additionally, if you do not check the availability of your business name, you may face legal issues and potential trademark infringement.
### How to Check a Business Name
To check if your business name is available, you can use the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) business names register. This register allows you to search for business names and check if they are available for registration. You can access the ASIC business names register through their website or by using a private service provider (PSP).
### Steps to Check a Business Name
1. **Visit the ASIC Website**: Go to the ASIC website and navigate to the business names register.
2. **Search for Your Business Name**: Enter your business name in the search bar and press enter. This will show you if the name is available or if it is already registered by someone else.
3. **Check for Similar Names**: If your business name is not available, you can check for similar names that may be available. This can help you find an alternative name that is close to your original choice.
4. **Verify the Availability**: Once you have found a name that is available, verify its availability by checking the ASIC register again. This ensures that the name is not already registered by someone else.
### Additional Tips
– **Use a Business Name Generator**: You can use a business name generator to help you come up with a unique and available business name. These tools can suggest names based on your business type and industry.
– **Check for Trademark Availability**: Before registering your business name, check if the name is available as a trademark. This can help you avoid potential trademark infringement issues.
– **Register Your Business Name**: Once you have found an available business name, register it with ASIC. This ensures that your business operates under a unique and distinguishable name.
### Conclusion
Checking a business name is a crucial step in starting a new business in Australia. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your business operates under a unique and available name. Remember to use a business name generator and check for trademark availability to avoid potential issues.
**Best Practice: Register Your Business Name**
For a hassle-free business name registration experience, we recommend using “register.biz.au”. Their services include business name registration, ABN registration, and domain name registration. You can visit their website at [https://register.biz.au](https://register.biz.au) to learn more about their services and to register your business name today.
