How can you tell if a business name is already in use?

[tinydoom]

I apologize if this has been discussed, but I could not find anything in the search....
I am in the process of trying to decide on a "name" to craft under, a business name so to speak (Which is really hard!).  This has led me to a few questions...How do I find out if the name is used? Currently I am not looking to incorporate or anything big like that....just try to sell some of the stuff that has taken over my room....
Mostly I would use it to make business cards, a sign for craft fairs, and a website (I know if a donamin name is taken that is that).  I guess I am worried about picking something, and then finding out it is used somewhere else.  What are rules about that?  How have you all handled this delimma...Or am I the only one having it (and being ultra paranoid)?  
Thanks

[kimmiecarlson]

twilight 021-
hi! I am kinda starting to do the same thing myself. I know there was another thread about this kind of thing, if I can find it, I will post it...
Apparently this is a good website to use (I think I saved the link after I found it on the last thread), although I haven't looked at it too thoroughly yet...
http://www.uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm
But it allows you to look up names and see if there is a trademark on them........
Hopefully this helps out somewhat...And hopefully someone else will post some other info that might be useful too!

[fly]

With small, local businesses, often times there is a bit of overlap with names - especially if it's common..  

My opinion is that if you sell candles in maine, it doesn't matter if someone else sells sombreros in baja california, since it's not the same custimer base, it won't be that confusing... Just go for something that's totally unique...  Don't be Sue's Craft Shop, cause chances are that there is one already...  But if you're Suzannah Desiree's Candle Hut, there's a much better chance of originality...  

[tinydoom]

Ah thank you all for the info.  Does anyone who has been through the trade marking process have any words to the wise about the process in general or anything like that?  Thanks!

[krazigal72]

hey guys...i have a quick question.....how do i know if a name is taken?  I have a few ideas as to what i want to call my business and webpage, but is there a way i should go about checking to see if someone else has that name already? I'm kind of clueless as to this whole webpage thing....

[Lia]

You can check to see if your domain name (web address) is taken. Go here http://www.register.com and type it in, and it will tell if you what is available.

[krazigal72]

thank you!!

[cloudbreakchick]

Another thing you can do, to see if there is a business with a similar name in your area, is Google it!

Just type in something like:

<Your Area> and "Business Name" "(make sure Business name is in quotes, it'll cut down on unrelated finds). 

That way, if it's been mentioned, you'll find out about it!