Register your new business name.
**How to Check Registered Business Names in Australia**
When starting a new business in Australia, it is crucial to ensure that your business name is not already registered by another entity. This involves conducting a thorough search of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) register to verify the availability of your desired business name. Here, we will outline the steps to check registered business names in Australia.
### Why Check Registered Business Names?
Before choosing a business name, it is essential to check if it is already registered. This is because registering a business name in Australia allows an entity to trade under a name different from its legal name. If you choose a name that is already registered, you may face legal issues and potential trademark infringement. Therefore, it is vital to conduct a thorough search to avoid any potential complications.
### How to Check Registered Business Names
To check registered business names in Australia, you can follow these steps:
1. **Visit the ASIC Website**: The ASIC website provides an online tool to search for registered business names. You can access this tool by visiting the ASIC website and clicking on the “Business Names” tab.
2. **Use the Business Names Register**: The Business Names Register is a comprehensive database that contains all registered business names in Australia. You can search for a business name by typing it into the search bar and clicking on the “Search” button.
3. **Check for Similar Names**: It is also important to check for similar names that may be registered. This includes names that are similar in spelling or sound to your desired business name.
4. **Verify the Registration**: Once you have identified a potential business name, you should verify that it is indeed registered. You can do this by checking the ASIC register or contacting ASIC directly.
### Tips for Choosing a Business Name
When choosing a business name, it is crucial to ensure that it is not already registered. Here are some tips to help you choose a unique business name:
1. **Use a Business Name Generator**: A business name generator can help you come up with unique and available business names.
2. **Check for Trademark Availability**: It is also important to check if the name you have chosen is available as a trademark. This can be done by searching the Australian Trade Marks Database.
3. **Consider the Domain Name**: Ensure that the domain name for your business name is available. This can be done by searching for the domain name on a domain name registrar.
### Conclusion
Checking registered business names in Australia is a crucial step in starting a new business. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your business name is not already registered and avoid any potential legal issues. For more information on registering a business name in Australia, visit [register.biz.au](https://register.biz.au).
