Business Name Search in Indiana | 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 Indiana

Conducting a business name search in Indiana is an essential step for entrepreneurs and business owners in starting an LLC in Indiana. 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 Indiana. You must be guided by all the factors gathered in this article.

What is a Business Name Search?

Business name search in Indiana 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 Indiana involves using the Indiana 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 Indiana, 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 Indiana 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 Indiana

Before knowing why a business name is necessary, you should now conduct a business name search in Indiana. 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 Indiana 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 Indiana Secretary of State INBiz to access the entity search tool.

Step 2: Perform the Search

On the Indiana 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 Indiana, 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 Indiana

You now conducted a business search in Indiana. With what you have searched and listed, you will choose the most suitable business name for your Indiana 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 Indiana 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 Indiana 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 Indiana’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 Indiana, 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 Indiana Secretary of State by mail or online filing to keep the name.

The Indiana 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 Indiana, 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 Indiana 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 Indiana 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 Indiana Secretary of State – Secretary of State Business Services Division, 302 West Washington Street, Room E018, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

If you are planning to start an LLC in Indiana, 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 Indiana 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 Indiana naming guidelines. Ensure the name is not misleading or confusingly similar to other businesses in your area. Afterward, you must search your Indiana 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 Indiana 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. Indiana 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 Indiana Secretary of State where you registered your DBA.

In Indiana, there are two methods, by mail and in person, which costs around $35.

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 Indiana

Before researching how to conduct Indiana 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 Indiana LLC, which distinguishes it from other businesses. It is a requirement when registering your Indiana LLC with the Indiana Secretary of State. This legal identity allows your Indiana 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 Indiana 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 Indiana 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 Indiana 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 Indiana 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 Indiana 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

Where do I conduct a business name search in Indiana?
The Indiana Secretary of State’s office is the official database for all business entity searches in the state.
Is there a fee for a business name search in Indiana?
Yes, there is a nominal fee associated with conducting a business name search in Indiana.
Can I perform a business name search in Indiana online?
Yes, Indiana offers an online search database for business entity names through the Secretary of State’s website.
How long does it take to complete a business name search in Indiana?
Most name searches in Indiana are completed instantly or very quickly.
Can I reserve a business name in Indiana?
Yes, the Indiana Secretary of State allows businesses to reserve a name for up to 120 days before filing their articles of incorporation.
How do I register a fictitious business name in Indiana?
In Indiana, the process for registering a fictitious business name varies depending on the type of entity.
What is the difference between registering a business name in Indiana and trademarking a business name?
Registering a business name in Indiana is limited to the state, while trademarking a name gives protection across the entire United States.
How can I find out if my business name has already been taken in Indiana?
By conducting a business entity search on the Indiana Secretary of State’s website or filing a fictitious business name.
Is an exact business name match required for my application to be denied in Indiana?
No, if your name is too similar to another business, your application might also be denied.
Can I get a refund if my business name application is denied in Indiana?
No, but you can adjust the name and re-file the application.
What do I do after finding my desired business name is available in Indiana?
You can file your forming documents with the Indiana Secretary of State’s office to reserve the name in the future.
Are there any restrictions on what can be included in a business name in Indiana?
Yes, Indiana law specifies that your business name must be in compliance with state law.
Does a business name search check for domain availability in Indiana?
No, business name searches are limited to entities registered or reserved with the Indiana Secretary of State’s office.
Can I operate under my spouse’s business name in Indiana?
Unless the business is registered as a fictitious business, you can only operate under the official name of the business in Indiana.
Can I change my business name later after registering in Indiana?
Yes, registered businesses can change their name by filing an amendment with the Indiana Secretary of State.
What is an Indiana Business ID?
The Indiana Business ID number is an identifier assigned by the Indiana Secretary of State’s Division of Business Services.
Do I need an Indiana Business ID to file my business name registration application?
No, an Indiana Business ID is not necessary, but it can be useful when renewing and changing your registration.
Can I check on the status of my business name registration application in Indiana?
Yes, you can check the application status through the INBiz website or by contacting the Indiana Secretary of State’s office.
Can someone else trademark my business name in Indiana after I have registered it?
Yes, if someone has registered it as a trademark, they may be able to prevent you from using it even if you have registered the business as a legal entity.
How often do I need to renew my business registration in Indiana?
Annual report filings must be submitted when renewing your registration in Indiana.
Am I required to register my business name in every state where I plan to operate?
Depending on your business structure and type, you may have to conduct business registration in each state where you conduct business.
Can I use already trademarked business name in my company name in Indiana?
No, you can’t use a name that is already trademarked by another business in Indiana.
What if more than one business operating under the same business name?
The first business to operate under a name in an industry may have legal ownership of the name, so other businesses should avoid using similar names but if another business uses your business name, you may have legal coverage and may require a consultation with an attorney.
What role does the Indiana Secretary of State play regarding business name registration?
The Indiana Secretary of State’s office oversees and regulates the registration, naming, and chartering of businesses operating within borders of the State.
Can I reserve a business name in Indiana if I want to use it in the future?
Yes, business owners can reserve a name for 120 days by submitting a request to the Secretary of State.
Can I register multiple business names in Indiana?
Yes, the state allows businesses to register multiple trade names so long as they are unique and within compliance with the Secretary of State’s guidelines.
Can I search for “sounding” names in Indiana?
Imposing name searches are limited to exact matches and don’t allow for them. You can conduct similar name searches by conducting Internet searches and basic trademark searches.
How long does it take for the Indiana Secretary of State to complete an exact business name search?
Electronic searches are typically completed in a matter of seconds.
Who do I contact if I have questions about business name registration?
The Indiana Secretary of State’s Division of Business Engagement assists business owners who have questions or issues regarding the registration and operation of their business.
What is a business name search in Indiana?
A business name search is the process of checking if a specific business name is already registered with the State of Indiana.
Do I need to conduct a business name search before starting my business in Indiana?
Yes, it is necessary to conduct a search to ensure that your proposed name is available and hasn’t already been registered by someone else.
How do I conduct a business name search in Indiana?
You can perform a search on the Indiana Secretary of State’s website or by visiting their office in person.
Can I search for business names in Indiana for free?
Yes, you can search for business names on the Indiana Secretary of State’s website for free.
What information do I need to conduct a business name search in Indiana?
You will need to provide the name of the business you want to search for.
Can I reserve a business name in Indiana before registering my business?
Yes, you can reserve a business name for a fee of $20, which will hold the name for 120 days.
How much does it cost to register a business name in Indiana?
The cost to register a business name in Indiana varies depending on the type of entity and whether you file online or in person.
How long does it take to register a business name in Indiana?
The processing time for business name registrations in Indiana is generally within two to three business days.
Can I register my business name online in Indiana?
Yes, you can register a business name online through the Indiana Secretary of State’s website.
Do I need to have an entity type registered before conducting a business name search in Indiana?
No, you can conduct a business name search in Indiana without having a specific business entity registered yet.
What is the difference between a “DBA” and a business name in Indiana?
A “DBA” stands for “doing business as,” which is an alternate name other than the registered legal name of a business. A business name is the legally registered name of the business.
Can I change my registered business name in Indiana?
Yes, you can change your registered business name by submitting a form with the Indiana Secretary of State.
What if someone else is already using the business name I want in Indiana?
You will need to choose a different business name.
Can I use a business name that has been used before in Indiana?
No, a name cannot be used if it has been previously registered, even if the business is no longer active.
How many times can I perform a business name search in Indiana?
You can perform as many searches as needed in Indiana.
Will my business name search be confidential in Indiana?
Information on registered business names is considered public information in Indiana.
What types of characters can I use in my business name in Indiana?
Business names in Indiana must include letters, numbers, and certain characters such as an apostrophe, a comma, or a period.
How long does a business name registration last in Indiana?
Business name registrations in Indiana last for five years.
Can I use a business name that is trademarked in Indiana?
No, you cannot use a business name that is trademarked by another owner in Indiana.
How do I renew my business name registration in Indiana?
You can renew your business name registration in Indiana online or by mail.
What happens if I don’t renew my business name registration in Indiana?
Your business name will no longer be considered registered with the State of Indiana.
Do I need to get a separate business name registration from the county and city if I am registered with the State of Indiana?
It depends on where your business is located. Some cities or counties may require that a separate registration be obtained.
Can I use my personal name as a business name in Indiana?
Yes, you can use your personal name as a business name in Indiana.
Are there any restrictions on business names in Indiana?
Business names in Indiana cannot be deceptively similar to existing business names or result in consumer confusion.
Can I use a fictitious business name in Indiana?
Yes, you can use a fictitious business name if it is registered with the Indiana Secretary of State.
Where can I find more information on Indiana’s business name registration process?
You can visit the Indiana Secretary of State’s website or contact their office for more information.
Can I trademark my business name in Indiana?
Yes, you can trademark your business name in Indiana through the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Can I get assistance with my business name search in Indiana?
Yes, you can seek assistance from a business attorney or a business services company that offers name search and registration services.
Is there a online chat or support service to quickly resolve any registration issues in Indiana?
Yes, you can contact the Indiana Secretary of State by phone during normal business hours. Additionally, they offer a chat service on their website to address any queries.

Also Read

Conclusion

Conducting Indiana 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