Pennsylvania Secretary of State Business Search

As someone who owns a business in Pennsylvania, you already know that it’s compulsory to register your business name. Pennsylvania State law requires everybody that owns a business in Pennsylvania to register their business name to avoid another person using it.

However, knowing whether someone has taken a specific business name can be daunting – especially for people who just started their business newly. How do you know if you can use a particular business name?

The reply to the above question is what this article will discuss. In this post, you will see why you should carry out a Pennsylvania Secretary of State Business Search to confirm if the business name you want to use is free, along with instructions on how to do a business search in Pennsylvania.

In addition, you will see the implications of not doing a business search before using a business name in Pennsylvania.

Why Should You Conduct a Pennsylvania Secretary of State Business Search Before Registering Any Business Name?

There are several reasons why it’s vital to do a business search before registering a business name officially. Let’s see some of these reasons:

• Legal compliance

Conduct a business search with the Pennsylvania Secretary of State before trademarking any business name. Searching will enable you to know if another firm is already using the name you are planning to use.

This business search will assist you in avoiding legal problems that may come from utilizing a name that another business has used in the past.

You can easily use Pennsylvania business search platforms – like www.pennsylvanialookup.org, to check and ensure that the business name you want to use and brand your business is free to use.

• To avoid identity theft

Businesses that break trademark laws or engage in brand identity theft risk having their businesses interrupted, incurring a fine, or their business license and certifications getting revoked.

You can save money you would have used to pay fines by checking the availability of business names on the Pennsylvania Secretary of State database using a business search platform.

• To avoid a clash of domain names

In addition, the Pennsylvania Secretary of State Business Search can assist you to be sure that the business name you want to use is free for use as a domain name. It will also help you to know whether the name is free for you to use on your social media network accounts for branding.

These names are essential to developing your business’s identity and internet presence.

How to Do Business Search in Pennsylvania

Follow these procedures to verify if another business has already registered a business name with the Secretary of State in Pennsylvania:

1. Open the website you want to use and search.
2. Enter the business name you want to verify in the search window. (As you type the letters, the search mechanism will pop up similar names).
3. If a list of business names shows up, tap the name from the list of business names that shows or click the “Search” icon next to the search window on the website.
4. The website will display a message confirming if the name is already in use.

Implications of Not Doing a Business Search Before Using a Business Name in Pennsylvania

Listed below are the effects of not doing a business search before using a business name in Pennsylvania:

• Legal problems

You will be violating someone else’s trademark protection rights if you select a business name they are using. Using another person’s business name can lead to them filing a case against you.

• Rebranding expenses

If you use a business name that someone else is using, you might be required to rebrand it, which can be expensive and time-consuming.

• Reduced customer base

Your loyal customers may get confused if your business name is too identical to that of another company. Some of them may stop patronizing you as a result of that, which will affect your business negatively.

• Trouble getting licenses and permits

According to business laws in Pennsylvania, every business owner must register their business with the Department of State. Selecting a business name that someone else is using can delay you from getting the necessary permits and licenses you will need to run the business smoothly.

FAQ

How much does a business search cost in Pennsylvania?

Conducting a business search in Pennsylvania does not cost money. However, there is a filing fee of $125 that you must pay if you want to register a business name officially.

Conclusion

Carry out a Pennsylvania Secretary of State Business Search before registering a business name in Pennsylvania. Always do a business search to be sure that no other business organization is using the business name you wish to use if you own a business and want to brand it. You can use www.pennsylvanialookup.org for the business search.