Business Name Search in Colorado | A Comprehensive Guide


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Hi there, I'm Steve. My mission is to empower the next generation of online entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed. My business insights are based on real-world experience, ensuring that aspiring entrepreneurs can confidently start and run their own businesses.

All Posts by Steve Bennett →
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 
WebinarCare offers informative content for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. We may earn commissions if you use the services we recommend on this site.
WebinarCare is led by Steve Bennett, a seasoned expert in the business world. He's gathered a team that's passionate about giving you reliable advice on everything from starting a business to picking the right tools. We base our tips and guides on real-life experience, ensuring you get straightforward and proven advice. Our goal is to make your business journey smoother and more successful. When you choose WebinarCare, you're choosing a trustworthy guide for all things business.
Conduct a Business Name Search in Colorado

Conducting a business name search in Colorado is an essential step for entrepreneurs and business owners in starting an LLC in Colorado. A business name search helps you identify whether a desired business name is already in use or if it’s unique and available for registration. Additionally, it allows you to gather information on existing businesses, such as their registration details, legal status, and contact information.

Webinarcare Editorial Team will help you conduct a business name search in Colorado. You must be guided by all the factors gathered in this article.

What is a Business Name Search?

Business name search in Colorado is an essential step for entrepreneurs who want to start a Limited Liability Company (LLC). This search helps them to ensure that the name they have chosen is unique, available, and compliant with state laws. The process of searching for a business name in Colorado involves using the Colorado business registration system, which allows users to search for registered business names and check for name availability.

Additionally, entrepreneurs also need to check that their chosen name does not infringe on any existing trademarks or copyrights. Conducting a thorough name search helps to prevent legal and branding issues as well as build a strong brand image. In Colorado, taking the time to properly search for a business name or trademark can help entrepreneurs to set their businesses up for future success. We reviewed some of the Trademark Services in Colorado that will help you with your business name search.

LLC Service

Rating & Price

Top Features

Learn More

#1 Recommendation

$599 + Federal Fee

  • Trademark Search

  • Trademark Registration

  • Trademark monitoring

$239.99/year

  • Single Subscription

  • Trademark Registration

  • Attorney service for Trademark

How to Conduct a Business Name Search in Colorado

Before knowing why a business name is necessary, you should now conduct a business name search in Colorado. Even in any different business structure, conducting a business name search takes time. However, with the help of the information listed in this article, you will get an easier option in finalizing your business name.

Step 1: Access the Business Entity Search Tool

The Colorado Secretary of State website has a Business Center Search Tool to help you choose a name for your business. This tool can help you determine the uniqueness and availability of a name. Also, keeping a list of backup names is helpful so you can choose a last name after a few repetitions. You can also check out the Colorado Secretary of State Business Database Search to access the entity search tool.

Step 2: Perform the Search

On the Colorado website, check the availability of the proposed business name. The search result will display information about similar businesses if the desired business name is already used. While searching, you can exclude using identifiers such as “LLC” to get more results from different business structures operating under the same name. Conduct extensive research using the provided filters before filing the name with the government.

If you want to register a Trademark in Colorado, you can also conduct a trademark search on the United States Trademark Database. Check with the Patent and Trademark Office to see if the chosen name is already in use by someone else.

Choosing a Business Name in Colorado

You now conducted a business search in Colorado. With what you have searched and listed, you will choose the most suitable business name for your Colorado business. When searching for a potential business name, follow these steps:

  1. Brainstorm Ideas: Begin by brainstorming a list of potential names that convey your business’s goals and values, and appeal to your target audience. Consider names that are easy to pronounce, spell, and remember.
  2. Be Descriptive But Not Limiting: Choose a name that gives an idea of what your business does or offers without being too specific or limiting future growth. For example, avoid using a specific location or product type in the name if you plan to expand your business or diversify your offerings.
  3. Check for Availability: Use the Colorado Secretary of State’s business name search tool available at the link provided to check if your desired name is already in use by another registered business entity. Remember that the name should be distinguishable from others to avoid potential legal disputes and confusion.
  4. Consider Domain Name Availability: If you plan to have an online presence, check if the desired domain name is available for your website. Ideally, your domain name should match or closely resemble your business name for consistency and easy online recognition.
  5. Conduct a Trademark Search: To avoid infringing on any existing trademarks or intellectual property rights, conduct a thorough trademark search using the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS). This will help you identify any potential conflicts with registered or pending trademarks. You can access the Colorado Trademark Search for more detailed information about trademark searches.
  6. Verify Name Requirements: Ensure your chosen name meets the specific naming requirements for your business type, such as including words like “LLC,” “Corp,” or “Ltd.,” if applicable. Refer to your Colorado’s business naming guidelines for specific rules and restrictions.

By following these steps and considering the various factors in choosing a business name, you can create a distinct, memorable, and legally compliant name.

Meantime, In Colorado, if you do not wish to file your business right away but want to hold the name that you have decided on, then you can reserve your business name for 120 days. You must file a name reservation application in the Colorado Secretary of State by mail or online filing to keep the name.

The Colorado Secretary of State will review your application and approve the name if it is available and not too similar to any other existing business name. If the name is approved, you will receive a reservation number and an approval letter. When filing the Articles of Organization in Colorado, to form your LLC, you must include the reservation number.

After reserving an LLC name, you must still form the LLC by filing the Articles of Organization with the Colorado Secretary of State. The LLC name, contact information, the names of the LLC’s members, and the name and address of the LLC’s Registered Agent must all be included in the Articles of Organization.

File your Articles of Organization online on the Colorado Secretary of State Online Services page. You may also download the offline file of the name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to Colorado Department of Revenue – 1700 Broadway, Suite 550, Denver, CO 80290.

If you are planning to start an LLC in Colorado, make sure that you choose a business name that is suitable for your business. It is best to hire a legal expert or an LLC Services that will guide you through the process.

WEBINARCARE EDITORIAL TEAM

How to File a DBA?

Filing Colorado DBA (Doing Business As), a fictitious business name, trade name, or assumed name, allows you to operate your business under a different name than your legal name. The process for filing a DBA varies depending on the state or county of your business. You can select a unique and appropriate name for your business that complies with your Colorado naming guidelines. Ensure the name is not misleading or confusingly similar to other businesses in your area. Afterward, you must search your Colorado business name database to ensure another business does not already use your desired DBA name. Once you have confirmed the availability of your desired name, you will need to register your DBA with the appropriate Colorado Secretary of State. 

The registration process typically involves completing an application form, providing the required information about your business, and paying a filing fee. The required information may include your legal business name, address, ownership structure, and the desired DBA name. Colorado requires you to publish a notice of your DBA registration in a local newspaper to inform the public about your new business name. After the notice has been published for the required time, you may need to provide proof of publication to the Colorado Secretary of State where you registered your DBA.

In Colorado, there are one method, online filing, which costs around $20.

After registering your DBA, update your business records, marketing materials, contracts, and other documents to reflect your new business name. Don’t forget to consult your state or county’s specific DBA filing process, as requirements and procedures may vary.

Recommended: Embark on your entrepreneurial journey confidently and affordably with LegalZoom’s DBA service, the beacon that guides businesses to credible branding and comprehensive compliance. Discover how effortless success can truly be!

LegalZoom – ($99 + Filling Fees)

Importance of Business Name Search in Colorado

Before researching how to conduct Colorado business name search, you must know why having a business name is important. 

A business name is important for several reasons:

  • Legal Identity: The business name is the official legal identity of your Colorado LLC, which distinguishes it from other businesses. It is a requirement when registering your Colorado LLC with the Colorado Secretary of State. This legal identity allows your Colorado LLC to enter into contracts, open bank accounts, and engage in business activities under its own name.
  • Liability Protection: One of the primary purposes of forming an LLC is to separate the business’s liabilities from its owners’ personal assets. A distinct business name helps establish this separation, reinforcing the limited liability protection the Colorado LLC structure provides.
  • Brand Identity and Recognition: A unique and memorable business name is crucial for building a strong brand identity and presence in the market. It helps customers recognize and remember your products or services and differentiate your Colorado LLC from competitors.
  • Legal Compliance: When registering an LLC, you must ensure that another registered entity within your jurisdiction does not already use the business name. Choosing a unique and available name is essential for legal compliance and avoiding potential disputes with other businesses.
  • Professionalism and Credibility: A well-chosen business name can convey professionalism and credibility, boosting customer trust and confidence in your products or services. An unprofessional or confusing name, on the other hand, can have the opposite effect and deter potential customers.
  • Marketing and Advertising: Your Colorado LLC’s business name plays a significant role in your marketing and advertising efforts. A catchy, memorable name can make your advertising campaigns more effective and increase the likelihood of word-of-mouth referrals.
  • Online Presence and SEO: A chosen business name can improve your Colorado LLC’s online presence and help customers find you more easily through search engines. A strategic business name can contribute to better online visibility and higher search rankings by incorporating relevant keywords and optimizing your website for search.

The importance of a business name search lies in ensuring its uniqueness and legal compliance and avoiding potential conflicts with other businesses. This process helps to establish a distinctive brand identity, protect intellectual property rights, and maintain a professional reputation in the market.

Is it Possible for Two Businesses to Have the Same Name?

Under certain conditions, two businesses that do not compete with each other may share the same name. However, you may be trying to impose on the trademark of the other competing business if either of the following occurs:

  • The company operates in the same geographical area, or
  • The company name is federally registered.

Furthermore, suppose a company name is considered famous or well-known, for example, Dior or Chanel. In that case, it has broader protection, and no other business, regardless of industry or location, can usually use the mark.

It’s best to avoid using another company’s name to avoid future legal issues. 

Can I Sell or Buy Someone Else’s Trademark?

Before selling your trademark, you must incorporate it into a business. A trademark cannot be sold if it is only registered as a placeholder for future use. The trademark must be visible on all products you sell.

You can buy another person’s trademark (known as “trademark assignment”), but the process is legally complex and costly. To purchase an existing trademark, you must purchase all company assets, product lines, or the entire business associated with the trademark.

What Should I Do If My Desired Business Name Is Already In Use?

If your desired business name is already in use, consider modifying it to make it unique and distinguishable from the existing business. You can also explore alternative names that still convey the essence of your business and comply with state naming requirements.

What Should I Do After Finding an Available Business Name?

After finding an available business name, you can proceed with the necessary steps to register your business with Colorado Secretary of State office. This may include filing formation documents, such as Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation, and paying the required filing fees. Additionally, consider registering your business name as a trademark to protect your brand and prevent others from using a confusingly similar name.

FAQs

How can I search for a business name in Colorado?
You can search for a business name on the Colorado Secretary of State’s website.
Can I search for a business name in Colorado using a keyword?
Yes, using a keyword is one way to search for business names in Colorado.
What does it mean to reserve a name in Colorado?
Reserving a name in Colorado means that you are claiming that name for your business for a set period of time.
How long does name reservation last in Colorado?
Name reservation in Colorado lasts for 120 days.
Can I reserve a business name in Colorado if I’m not ready to form a business entity yet?
Yes, you can reserve a business name in Colorado even if you’re not ready to form a business entity yet.
How much does it cost to reserve a business name in Colorado?
Reserving a business name in Colorado costs $25.
Do I have to be a Colorado resident to reserve a business name in Colorado?
No, you don’t have to be a Colorado resident to reserve a business name in Colorado.
Can I check to see if my chosen business name is already in use in Colorado?
Yes, you can search the Colorado business entity database to see if your chosen business name is already in use.
How do I check if my chosen business name is available in Colorado?
You can check if your chosen business name is available in Colorado by searching on the Secretary of State’s website.
Can I change my business name in Colorado after I have already registered it?
Yes, you can change your business name in Colorado after you have already registered it.
How can I change my business name in Colorado?
You can change your business name in Colorado by filing the appropriate forms with the Secretary of State.
What are the repercussions of using a business name that is already in use in Colorado?
If you use a business name that is already in use in Colorado, you may face legal action from the owner of the other business.
How long does it take for a name to be approved and registered in Colorado?
It usually takes about five business days for a name to be approved and registered in Colorado.
Does my business name have to be unique in Colorado?
Yes, your business name must be unique in Colorado.
Can I register more than one business name in Colorado?
Yes, you can register more than one business name in Colorado.
Can I use a fictitious name for my business in Colorado?
Yes, you can use a fictitious name for your business in Colorado.
What is a trade name in Colorado?
A trade name in Colorado is also known as a DBA name, or “doing business as” name. It is a name under which a business operates.
Do I need to register a trade name in Colorado?
Yes, you need to register a trade name in Colorado.
How can I register a trade name in Colorado?
You can register a trade name in Colorado by filing the appropriate forms with the Secretary of State.
How long does it take to register a trade name in Colorado?
It usually takes about five business days to register a trade name in Colorado.
What happens if I don’t register my trade name in Colorado?
If you don’t register your trade name in Colorado, you may face legal action from the state.
When should I renew my trade name registration in Colorado?
You should renew your trade name registration in Colorado every five years.
How can I renew my trade name registration in Colorado?
You can renew your trade name registration in Colorado by filing the appropriate forms with the Secretary of State.
Can someone else own the rights to my business name in Colorado?
No, someone else cannot own the rights to your business name in Colorado if you are already using that name.
Can I use a business name that someone else has trademarked in Colorado?
No, you cannot use a business name that someone else has trademarked in Colorado.
Are there any exceptions to the requirement of submitting a certificate of trade name/conversion when reactivating a business entity?
No, there are no exceptions to the requirement of submitting a certificate of trade name/conversion when reactivating a business entity in Colorado.
Can I do a business name search in Colorado over the phone?
No, you cannot do a business name search in Colorado over the phone.
Are there any restrictions on what I can name my business in Colorado?
Yes, there are restrictions on what you can name your business in Colorado, such as profanity or a name that is misleading or deceptive.
Is there a grace period for reinstating a corporation that was dissolved involuntarily in Colorado?
No, there is no grace period for reinstating a corporation that was dissolved involuntarily in Colorado.
Why should I conduct a business name search in Colorado?
Conducting a business search in Colorado is necessary to ensure that the name you want to use for your business is available and not already taken.
Do I need to conduct a business name search in Colorado for any reason other than starting a new business?
Yes, performing a search can also be helpful if you are interested in acquiring an existing business in Colorado.
What is the purpose of a Colorado business name search?
The purpose of a Colorado business name search is to check that the name you want to use is unique and not already in use by another business.
How can I search for an available business name in Colorado?
You can search for an available business name by visiting the Colorado Secretary of State’s website or contacting the office directly.
Is there a fee to search for a business name in Colorado?
There is no fee to conduct a Colorado business name search online.
Can I do a business name search in Colorado without a company name in mind?
You can search by keyword and/or type of entity without a specific company name in Colorado in mind.
How can I know if a name is already in use by another company in Colorado?
The Colorado Secretary of State’s online database provides current business names and name availability.
When is the best time to conduct a Colorado business name search?
It is best to conduct a business name search in Colorado before establishing, submitting or printing any business documents.
Are name change filings available online in Colorado?
Yes; the fee for name change filings in Colorado is $25.
Can you change the name of your existing LLC company in Colorado?
Yes; you can change the name of an existing LLC by filing the appropriate documents and paying the required fee.
How long does a name search in Colorado take?
Name searches can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few days in Colorado.
Can I indicate reserved status for a business name being searched for online in Colorado?
Reserving a business name is available online in Colorado through submission of proper forms and applicable fees.
How long does a Colorado business name reservation last?
Name reservations in Colorado last 120 calendar days.
Can a name be reserved multiple times by different entities in Colorado?
No; in Colorado, a given name cannot be reserved multiple times, only by one owner at a given time.
What us the procedure of reserving a name for a business at a religious institute in Colorado?
Religious institutions wanting to reserve a name must furnish a Certificate of Good Standing to file an name reservation in Colorado.
Does a trade name in Colorado need a beneficiary for single member insurance premiums?
Assigned names by proposal in Colorado need to nominate the registering “entity detail field” in the insurance application in order to request beneficiary coverage under a single-member operating insurance.
Does a sole proprietor or corporate entity have different requirements to change business name in Colorado?
Yes; Single- member LLC changes involve notice reports and filings with agencies and departments, unlike changes made by corporate entities in Colorado.
What documents should I provide to change my business name with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Bureau?
You will need a completed request for entity change name form, a filing fee, and appropriate documentation to change a business name with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Bureau.
Can the general name requirement be reduced to compose an applicant’s qualified name?
Submitting an applicant’s required forms, along with applicable fees and supporting documents can help initiate a name change process in Colorado.
Is a Colorado business name search really necessary if my company is using a name that no other business is currently using?
Yes, searching the business database for your company name in Colorado is mandatory for ensuring that it is distinct and does not overlap an already filed business name.
After conducting a business name search in Colorado, how soon can I start using that name?
Following the outcome of a business name search, you may start using the name in Colorado according to formation requirements and ongoing reporting standards.
Can I use a ‘doing business as’ name as my official company name in Colorado?
Yes, it is possible to use a D/B/A or Fictitious name in Colorado for your company.
Is it necessary to attach a DBA or fictitious name in filing legal documents in Colorado?
When filing legal documents, you may need to explain the legal status and your title standing at the company without attaching a DBA or Fictitious name filing document.
Can I operate and apply for a trade name before registering an LLC in Colorado?
Yes, in most cases you can still operate and apply for a trade name before registering your LLC entity in Colorado.
How can I use a name for business in Colorado that is already in use by another business in another state?
When considering a business name, ensure the name you want to choose for your company is unique and not already being used by other known businesses or being held as an unauthorized trademark outside of Colorado.
If a trade name search presents identical and existing entity names in Colorado?
If the exact name you are seeking in Colorado date adopts is already acquired by another entitiy, typically you cannot submit the name reserved under other person’s acquisitions in your formation documentation.
Can I file a brief distinction for the name I selected for my LLC after a initial notification opportunity has ended?
Colorado private limited liability company registrants have an exceptional limitation stage to amend as a stipulated point in managing founding documentation and a name pursuant form.
Under what circumstances my business operating name can be canceled by Colorado Secretary of State?
Colorado’s Secretary of State can cancel your business operating name because of several reasons, including failing to renew your business registration or paying substantial day-liabilities.
Am I allowed to reserve same types of names for my organization in Colorado?
When registering an entity in Colorado, similar repetitions of names are will not be approved in beneficiary areas.
What kind of questions should I think through prior reserving a name for business formation?
You’ll need to explore the possibility of already enacted trademarks, weighted and mapped overlapping slogans, and similar variant of your projected names while considering reserving trade names in Colorado.
Can I legally change a business name if my company is in another state but does business in Colorado?
Normal filing documents, amended certificates of authenticity field establish dual headquartered and business and taxation jurisdictions once determined performes all changing name protocols, no prioritizing forming a trade name need to occur in Colorado if still in a partner state.

Also Read

Conclusion

Conducting Colorado business name search is essential for entrepreneurs and business owners in establishing a unique and legally compliant business identity. This process not only helps to avoid potential legal disputes and ensure compliance with state regulations but also plays a critical role in building a strong brand presence in the market. By utilizing the available resources, tools, and guidelines provided by the relevant state or county agencies, business owners can effectively choose and register a business name that stands out from the competition, resonates with the target audience, and contributes to long-term business success.

Leave a Comment