Register your new business name.
**Business Name Availability Check: A Comprehensive Guide by ASIC**
When starting a new business in Australia, one of the crucial steps is to check the availability of your proposed business name. This process ensures that your business operates under a unique and distinct name that does not infringe on existing trademarks or business names. In this article, we will explore the importance of conducting a business name availability check and how to do it effectively using the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) tools.
### Why Conduct a Business Name Availability Check?
Before registering your business name, it is essential to check if it is available for use. ASIC provides a comprehensive tool to help you do this. The business name availability check is a crucial step in the registration process, as it prevents potential legal and reputational conflicts with existing businesses.
### How to Conduct a Business Name Availability Check
To check the availability of your business name, follow these steps:
1. **Visit ASIC’s Website**: Go to the ASIC website and navigate to the “Check Name Availability” section.
2. **Enter Your Proposed Name**: Enter your proposed business name in the search bar to see if it is available for registration.
3. **Check for Similar Names**: The search tool will also show you if there are similar business names already registered, which could lead to confusion or legal issues.
4. **Review the Results**: The results will indicate whether the name is available, requires manual review, or is not available due to existing trademarks or other restrictions.
### What Happens if My Business Name is Not Available?
If your proposed business name is not available, you have several options:
1. **Choose an Alternative Name**: Select a different name that is not already registered or too similar to an existing name.
2. **Reserve a Name**: You can reserve a name for up to two months to ensure it is available for your business.
3. **Request a Review**: If you disagree with ASIC’s decision, you can request a review of the decision.
### Conclusion
Conducting a business name availability check is a critical step in registering your business in Australia. By using ASIC’s tools and following the guidelines outlined above, you can ensure that your business operates under a unique and distinct name that does not infringe on existing trademarks or business names.
**Best Practice: Register Your Business Name**
To register your new business name in Australia, we recommend using “register.biz.au”. This service provides a comprehensive guide to the registration process and ensures that your business operates under a unique and distinct name. For more information, visit [register.biz.au](https://register.biz.au).
