Business Name Search in Wyoming | A Comprehensive Guide


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
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Conduct a Business Name Search in Wyoming

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

What is a Business Name Search?

Business name search in Wyoming 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 Wyoming involves using the Wyoming 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 Wyoming, 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 Wyoming that will help you with your business name search.

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How to Conduct a Business Name Search in Wyoming

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

Step 2: Perform the Search

On the Wyoming 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 Wyoming, 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 Wyoming

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

The Wyoming 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 Wyoming, 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 Wyoming 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 Wyoming 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 Wyoming Secretary of State – Wyoming Secretary of State, 2020 Carey Avenue, Suite 700, Cheyenne, WY 82002.

If you are planning to start an LLC in Wyoming, 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.

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How to File a DBA?

Filing Wyoming 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 Wyoming naming guidelines. Ensure the name is not misleading or confusingly similar to other businesses in your area. Afterward, you must search your Wyoming 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 Wyoming 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. Wyoming 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 Wyoming Secretary of State where you registered your DBA.

In Wyoming, there are two methods, by mail and in person, which costs around $100.

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.

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Importance of Business Name Search in Wyoming

Before researching how to conduct Wyoming 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 Wyoming LLC, which distinguishes it from other businesses. It is a requirement when registering your Wyoming LLC with the Wyoming Secretary of State. This legal identity allows your Wyoming 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 Wyoming 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 Wyoming 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 Wyoming 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 Wyoming 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 Wyoming 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 do I conduct a business name search in Wyoming?
You can search for business names in Wyoming through the state’s Business Division website.
Is there a fee to search for a business name in Wyoming?
No, searching for a business name in Wyoming is free.
Can I search for business names in Wyoming online?
Yes, you can conduct a business name search through the state’s Business Division website.
What information do I need to search for a business name in Wyoming?
You will need at least part of the business name or the business registration number.
How long does it take to conduct a business name search in Wyoming?
The search results are available immediately after you conduct a search.
Are DBA names searchable in Wyoming?
Yes, you can search for DBA names in Wyoming.
Can I search for trademark names in Wyoming?
No, you need to search for trademark names at the federal level through the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Can I search for LLC names in Wyoming?
Yes, you can search for LLC names in Wyoming.
Can I search for corporation names in Wyoming?
Yes, you can search for corporation names in Wyoming.
Can I search for nonprofit names in Wyoming?
Yes, you can search for nonprofit names in Wyoming.
Do I need an account to search for business names in Wyoming?
No, you do not need an account to search for business names in Wyoming.
Can I search for foreign business names in Wyoming?
Yes, you can search for foreign business names in Wyoming.
Are trade names searchable in Wyoming?
Yes, you can search for trade names in Wyoming.
Can I search for abandoned business names in Wyoming?
Yes, you can search for abandon business names in Wyoming.
Can I search for expired business names in Wyoming?
Yes, you can search for expired business names in Wyoming.
Are trademark assignments searchable in Wyoming?
No, you need to search for trademark assignments at the federal level through the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Are there restrictions on the name I can use for my Wyoming business?
Yes, you cannot use a name that is already in use by another business in Wyoming.
Can I reserve a business name in Wyoming?
Yes, you can reserve a business name in Wyoming for a fee.
How long is a business name reservation valid in Wyoming?
A business name reservation in Wyoming is valid for 120 days.
Can I renew a business name reservation in Wyoming?
Yes, you can renew a business name reservation in Wyoming for an additional fee.
Can I change my business name in Wyoming?
Yes, you can change the name of your business in Wyoming.
Is there a fee to change a business name in Wyoming?
Yes, there is a fee to change the name of your business in Wyoming.
How do I file for a name change in Wyoming?
You need to file a Certificate of Amendment with the Wyoming Secretary of State to change your business name.
Can I apply for a name change online in Wyoming?
Yes, you can file for your name change online through the Wyoming Business Division website.
Do I need to re-register my business after changing the name in Wyoming?
No, as long as you have filed the Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State, you do not need to re-register your business.
Can I check if my desired business name is available before filing for my Wyoming LLC?
Yes, you can conduct a business name search to check availability before filing for your Wyoming LLC.
What happens if my desired business name is already in use in Wyoming?
You will need to choose a different name for your business or add a differentiating element to your proposed name to make it distinguishable from the existing name.
Can I verify that the name I have chosen for my business is available in all states?
No, you need to conduct a business name search for each state individually to verify availability.
Is there a fee to conduct a business name search in Wyoming?
No, there is no fee to conduct a business name search in Wyoming.
What information do I need to conduct a business name search in Wyoming?
All you need is the proposed business name.
Can I conduct a business name search in person in Wyoming?
Yes, you can search online or visit the Wyoming Secretary of State in Cheyenne.
Can I change my business name once it’s registered in Wyoming?
Yes, you can change your business name later by filing an amendment with the Wyoming Secretary of State.
Can I see trademarks in Wyoming during a business name search?
No, you cannot see trademarks during a business name search in Wyoming.
How many business names can I search for at a time in Wyoming?
You can search for one business name at a time in Wyoming.
Do I need to have a registered agent to search for a business name in Wyoming?
No, you do not need to have a registered agent to search for a business name in Wyoming.
How long does it take to register a business name in Wyoming?
It takes one business day to register a business name in Wyoming online.
Do I need a unique business name to register it in Wyoming?
Yes, your business name must be unique to register it in Wyoming.
How long is a business name valid in Wyoming?
A business name in Wyoming is valid for as long as the entity doing business under the name issues annual reports and pays annual fees.
Can I register a foreign business name in Wyoming?
Yes, entities doing business in Wyoming under a name other than the one listed in their certificate of authority must file an assumed business name form.
Do I need to file for a trademark registration in Wyoming separately?
Yes, filing for a trademark registration in Wyoming must be done separately from the business registration.
Do common business words affect the uniqueness of a business name in Wyoming?
Yes, common words that are often included in business names do not make them unique in Wyoming.
Can I use my initials in a business name in Wyoming?
Yes, you can use initials in a business name or the full name on behalf of your business in Wyoming.
Are there any requirements to include location in my business name in Wyoming?
No, Wyoming does not require that locations or identifiers be included in LLC formations.
Can I search for LLC names during a business name search in Wyoming?
Yes, you can search for LLC names during a business name search in Wyoming.
Can I search for names of nonprofits during a business name search in Wyoming?
Yes, you can search for names of nonprofits during a business name search in Wyoming.
When is the best time to conduct a business name search in Wyoming?
The best time to conduct a business name search in Wyoming is before applying to form a new business.
Is a registered trade name the same as a business name in Wyoming?
No, a trade name is different from a business name in Wyoming.
Why should I conduct a business name search before registering and trademarking?
Conducting a business name search will ensure that the name is unique and to determine whether it infringes on others’ trademark rights.
What should I do if the business name I want is already registered in Wyoming?
You will need to choose a new business name or file the same name and choose a declaring the intent is to use the differentiating words or section of the category areas that would place it regarding use.
Are there specific regulations related to business names in Wyoming?
There aren’t specific regulations related to business names in Wyoming.
Can I search for a trade name during a business name search in Wyoming?
No, trade names are not included in the business name search results for Wyoming.
How long do I need to renew my business name in Wyoming?
You need to renew your business name during the anniversary month of your formation annually.
How much does it cost to register a business name in Wyoming?
It cost $100 to file Paper Application for Registration of Trade Name of LLC, L3C, Series, and LP through mail or in person. It cost $99 for Online Application for Registration, and $75 for Trade Name Renewal through Online Process.

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Conclusion

Conducting Wyoming 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.

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