Colorado Business Name Search
Before registering your LLC or corporation, you must conduct a Colorado business name search. Why? Because, like most states, Colorado statutes require business names to be unique—meaning multiple companies can’t use the same or similar name.
Many of our competitors charge an additional fee to conduct a business search on your behalf. But why spend your hard-earned money on something you can easily do yourself for free?
Keep reading to learn how to conduct a free Colorado business name search.
Do I need to do a Colorado business name search?
Yes. Conducting a business name search helps ensure your chosen name is legally available in the state, distinct from competitors, and avoids trademark infringement, and ultimately protects your brand. Plus, if you file your formation paperwork using a registered name with the state, your filing will likely be rejected.
How to conduct a business name search
To conduct a free Colorado business name search, visit the Colorado Secretary of State’s Business Database Search page. From there, you’ll have a few search options:
- Business name
- Name availability
- Advanced
Business name search
We recommend using this method because it allows you to search for business names, trademarks, and trade names that are identical or similar to your company name.
For your first search, try entering your desired business name in the box labeled “Search by business name, trademark, trade name, ID or document number.” Then, click the “search” button at the bottom of the page. If the name is available, it’s a good idea to do another search (or possibly searches) to see if any businesses have similar or related names.
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For example, if you’re opening a yoga studio and want to call your LLC “Flying Yoga Mat LLC,” you could enter “Yoga Mat” into the search box. From there, skim through the results to see if other companies have a similar name.
You’ll see any Articles of Organization, Articles of Dissolution, Name Reservations or Trade Name Filings that companies have filed in Colorado.
Name availability search
Utilizing this search method only allows you to search for registered companies with your identical business name, leaving out similar names, trademarks, and trade names. So, while your exact business name may be available, the website will ultimately direct you back to the Business Database Search page.
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Advanced Search
Conducting an advanced search allows you to include additional factors such as a registered agent or trademark registrant (name of the person or company who registered the trademark). You can also limit your results to only Colorado LLCs or corporations that filed within a specific time period. This search is more useful if you’re trying to find information about a specific company (not so much if you’re just checking name availability).
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Once you’ve confirmed your business name is available, you can take the next steps towards starting to form your Colorado LLC or corporation.
Colorado Business Name FAQs
Are there rules for naming a business in Colorado?
Yes. In addition to making sure your business is unique, your Colorado business name must:
- Include an appropriate identifier such as “LLC” for limited liability companies or “Inc.” for corporations.
- Avoid using words designated for government agencies such as “Federal.”
- Not mislead the public. For example, you cannot use words like “attorney” or “medical” if your business isn’t licensed to provide those services.
Can I reserve my Colorado business name?
Yes. If you’re waiting to register your business with the Secretary of State, you can reserve your company name by filing a Statement of Reservation of Name. The filing fee is $25. Once submitted, your business name will be reserved for 120 days.
Should I register my business name as a trademark?
Maybe. Honestly, the answer to this question is entirely up to you. Registering your business with the Colorado Secretary of State ensures no other business (foreign or domestic) within the state will conduct business under your identical name. However, if you plan on expanding outside Colorado, registering your company name as a trademark will prevent others from using your same business name across the United States.
Searching the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for an existing trademark is fairly easy, but going through the application process can get tricky. That’s where we can help.
When you add Colorado Trademark Service ($599) to our business formation service, our team of attorneys and trademark experts will complete, submit, and track your application. We’ll also offer support and advice if there are any complications along the way.
Should I register a domain for my Colorado business?
Yes. If you want an online presence for your business, you must register a domain name—also known as your website address or URL. Once you register your domain name, no one else can use it for as long as you own it.
Need help registering a domain name? When you hire us to form your Colorado business, we provide a free trial of our Colorado business presence. You’ll get a customizable website + SSL security, a domain name, up to 10 unique email addresses linked to your domain, and local phone service.