US Company Registration 3 Steps to Easily Check Names and Avoid Pitfalls

How to Easily Check and Register a Company Name in the U.S.-A Complete Guide

In recent years, with globalization deepening and cross-border e-commerce booming, more and more Chinese entrepreneurs and businesses are turning their attention to overseas markets-especially the United States, the world's largest economy. Registering a U.S. company can not only enhance a brand’s international image but also bring many benefits in terms of taxation, financing, and international trade.

However, the first and most critical step in the entire registration process is checking and registering the company name. Naming a company in the U.S. is not arbitrary-it requires a series of official checks to ensure the desired name is not already in use. This step is essential to avoid legal disputes and protect your brand’s legal rights.

This article will walk you through how to efficiently and accurately complete the U.S. company name registration check.

1. Determine the State of Registration-Your First Step

The U.S. operates under a federal system, and each state has its own independent business registration system. This means a company name registered in California may still be available in New York.

Before beginning your search, you must decide which state you plan to register your company in. Common choices include

Delaware

California

New York

Florida

Among these, Delaware is a top choice for many startups and multinational corporations due to its well-developed corporate legal framework, pro-business policies, and efficient registration process. According to 2025 data, approximately 68% of publicly traded companies in the U.S., including tech giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft, are incorporated in Delaware.

2. Visit the Official State Website and Use the Online Search Tool

Once you’ve chosen your state, the next step is to check name availability on the official website of the state’s Secretary of State.

Take Delaware as an example. Its company name search system can be accessed at

https//icis.corp.delaware.gov/Ecorp/EntitySearch/NameSearch.aspxhttps//icis.corp.delaware.gov/Ecorp/EntitySearch/NameSearch.aspx

Simply enter your desired company name or keywords, and the system will quickly tell you if it’s available.

Here are a few tips for using the tool effectively

1. Avoid generic or overly simple names Names like Global Tech or Smart Solutions are likely already taken.

2. Case and punctuation don’t matter The system typically ignores capitalization and punctuation, so ABC Corp and abc corp are considered the same.

3. Check suffixes U.S. company names usually include a legal entity suffix such as LLC Limited Liability Company, Inc. Incorporated, or Corp. Corporation. For example, Tech Innovators Inc. and Tech Innovators LLC may be considered different names.

3. Conduct a Trademark Search to Avoid Brand Infringement

In addition to checking name availability at the state level, entrepreneurs should also perform a trademark search to ensure the chosen name doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks.

Even if a name is available in your state, it might already be registered as a trademark, which could lead to legal issues. You can search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office USPTO database at

https//tmsearch.uspto.gov/https//tmsearch.uspto.gov/

After entering your keywords, the system will show all similar registered or pending trademarks. Be sure to check not only exact matches but also names that sound similar or have similar spellings.

To reduce legal risk, consider hiring a professional attorney or trademark agent to conduct a more thorough due diligence before registration.

4. Reserve the Company Name to Prepare for Formal Registration

If your search confirms the name is available, you can proceed with a Name Reservation. Each state has different rules regarding reservation periods and fees.

For example, in Delaware, you can submit a name reservation request online for $75, and the name will be reserved for 120 days. During this time, no one else can register it, giving you time to prepare your registration documents.

Keep in mind name reservation is not the same as company registration. It simply gives you time to complete the formal process. If you don’t register the company within the reserved period, the name becomes available again.

5. Use Third-Party Services to Simplify the Process

For those unfamiliar with the U.S. registration process, using a third-party professional service can be a great option. Platforms like LegalZoom, Incfile, and Rocket Lawyer offer one-stop services including company name checks, registration, and Employer Identification Number EIN applications.

These platforms often automatically perform name checks and suggest alternative names if your first choice is unavailable, saving you time and effort.

However, when choosing a third-party provider, make sure to select a reputable and transparent service to avoid unnecessary fees or registration failures due to misinformation.

Conclusion

Registering a U.S. company is a systematic process, and company name registration is the essential first step. Only by ensuring the availability and legality of your chosen name can you lay a solid foundation for subsequent steps such as obtaining business licenses, opening bank accounts, and registering for taxes.

In today’s increasingly globalized business environment, planning and protecting your company name in advance not only supports brand internationalization but also safeguards your company’s long-term growth.