New Jersey offers a wealth of opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to start a business. Its strategic location, strong economy and favourable business environment make it an ideal choice for both local and international business owners.
When expanding your business to the United States or considering forming a subsidiary in New Jersey, one of the first steps is ensuring your chosen company name is available.
For UK entrepreneurs, it’s crucial to follow the right steps to ensure your business name complies with local regulations and isn’t already in use.
Here’s a guide to help you check the availability of your company name in New Jersey.
1. Understand New Jersey’s Business Naming Rules
Before searching for name availability, it’s important to know the naming conventions in New Jersey.
These are governed by the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES) and include:
- Stand Out!: The name must be distinguishable from other registered businesses.
- No Misleading Names: The name shouldn’t imply affiliation with government bodies unless true.
- Appropriate Suffix: Depending on your business type, the name must include a suffix like “LLC” for Limited Liability Companies or “Inc.” for corporations.
2. Check Name Availability with the New Jersey Business Name Search Tool
The most direct way to check if your company name is available is by using the Business Name Search tool provided by the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. Follow these steps:
- Visit the New Jersey Business Name Search Tool: Access it through the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services website.
- Enter Your Company Name: Type in your desired name.
- Review the Results: The tool will inform you if the name is already in use. If not, the name is available for registration.
This tool only checks registered business names in New Jersey, not domain names or trademarks, so further checks are needed.
3. Trademark Search
Ensure your name doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks by checking the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website. Use the TESS Database to search for any trademarks similar to your proposed business name. If your name is already trademarked, it can’t be used, even if it’s available in New Jersey.
4. Check Domain Name Availability
Securing a matching domain name is vital for your online presence. After confirming your business name is available in New Jersey, use with our speedy Domain Name Checker and see if your chosen domain is available
Protect your Company Domain Name
Use our domain name search tool to find available names for your business.
5. Reserve Your Business Name (Optional)
If you want to secure your company name before officially registering, you can reserve it for 120 days by filing a Name Reservation Request with New Jersey’s Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. This option costs a fee and ensures the name remains available.
6. Registering Your Business
Once your company name is confirmed to be available, you can proceed with registering your business with the state.
The process differs based on business structure (LLC, Corporation, etc.), requiring relevant formation documents, such as the Public Records Filing for New Business Entity for LLCs or Certificate of Incorporation for corporations.
7. Consider State-Specific Requirements
New Jersey may have specific regulations regarding company names, especially for certain industries or business types. It’s worth consulting a local attorney or business expert to ensure compliance with state law.
And Finally
For UK entrepreneurs, establishing a company in New Jersey can open doors to the U.S. market.
New Jersey is committed to fostering the growth of small businesses through programs like the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC). These organizations offer guidance, mentorship, and resources to help small businesses navigate regulatory hurdles, access funding and grow sustainably.
By following the steps above, you can ensure your business name is available and compliant with New Jersey’s rules. Start with the Business Name Search tool, perform a trademark check, secure a domain and do consult local experts to ensure a smooth registration process.
Related reading:
Check if a company name is available in the UK
How to Check Company Name Availability in the USA