A Guide to Colorado LLC or INC Business Name Search

Colorado Business Entity Search

A business name is considered as the cornerstone of any brand and if you want your startup to stand apart from others, then you need to choose the right name. There are examples of several big brands who created their names from a concept e.g., Adidas focused on the concept of quality and innovation and created a tagline – impossible is nothing. You can imagine the sheer power behind such a brand. But the important question is where do you really start?

• You need to avoid names that will be hard to spell for any customer. A simple and straightforward name like Orange Inc., or Stone LLC., would be perfect
• It is also important to follow the Colorado business name rules and guidelines
• Always try and choose a business name that will not limit your company. For example, books4kids can be limiting as you may want to diversify into adult books or comics in the near future
• Ensure that the chosen company name is consistent with the brand image
• Ensure your chosen name is not similar to that of a competitor
• Always conduct a Colorado business name search prior to reserving or registering the name with the state
• Pick an entity name that will be web-friendly as this will ensure domain name is available for such a name
• Lastly, you can also get some good company name ideas by using online business name generators

What is a Colorado business name search?

Once you have chosen the type of structure like an LLC or a C Corporation, the next step would be to identify a company name based on Colorado business name rules. Once a name has been chosen, you will need to check if you can actually use such a name in the state of Colorado. This is possible by conducting a Colorado business name search. This is a type of entity search that is available in all states of the USA although the process of searching and facilitating authority will be different. The governing authority for an entity name search is facilitated by the office of the Colorado Secretary of State.

• Business Database Search – This will enable you to search for a business name, trademark, trade name, ID or document number
• Business Entity Search – This will enable you to search for businesses active and uses Organization name or Organizational ID# to facilitate the process.

Naming your Colorado LLC

If you have taken a decision to form a limited liability company then one of the foremost processes is to name your company. A business name will provide a face to your LLC and it can be used for reaching out to your prospective customers. An effective business name is a name that conveys information about the values of the company as well as the quality of its offerings like specialized services. The name of your LLC will also have an impact on your overall business strategy. So, let’s take a look at the important areas to focus on including conducting a Colorado LLC name search.

General LLC naming rules

Naming your limited liability company can be a short process or a long process. When choosing a LLC name, it is important to follow the Colorado business name rules and guidelines as regulated by 2022 Colorado Code, Title 7 – Corporations and Associations, Article 90 – Colorado Corporations and Associations Act, Part 6 – Entity Names. You will also need to conduct a Colorado LLC name search after choosing a name compliant with governing laws. The general rules for an LLC name are:

• Your company name should have words like Limited Liability Company or limited liability co.
• The business name can have abbreviations like LLC or L.L.C. pursuant to CO Code § 7-90-601 (2022)
• The business name should be distinguishable from any other name in the database of the Colorado Secretary of State like JB LLC is not the same as JB Limited Liability Company
• The law states that a business cannot use a name that implies or is similar to that of a government agency or unit
• It is important to note that the reservation of names containing certain words are prohibited like “bank” or “trust.”

Search LLC name availability on the Colorado Secretary of State’s website

Once you have identified a name for your limited-liability company, it is necessary to conduct a Colorado business name availability search. The office of the Secretary of State offers an online portal that will enable a name search for your LLC. This search brings up any similar names after searching through the entire state database also known as a business entity database. There are different ways to conduct the search and they are:

• Advanced Search using registered agent name or Trade name
• Entity search using organization name or Organizational ID #
• Business survey information search
• Trademark advanced search

Are you planning to form an LLC in Colorado?

Naming your Colorado Corporation

A Colorado Corporation is considered as one of the best forms of business to operate. It is also known as a traditional corporation or a C Corp and once you form this type of company, you can always elect S Corp tax status. If you have taken the decision to incorporate in this state or move your existing business from another state then it becomes necessary to first identify a corporate name. If your company is a foreign entity then you can conduct a Colorado Corporation name search for the existing name. If it is a new domestic entity then you need to choose a name while ensuring the name is compliant with all Colorado business name rules and regulations. Let’s look at some of the important aspects to consider when naming your business corporation.

General Corporation naming rules

When choosing a corporate name, there are several aspects that should be considered like:

• The purpose of your company,
• The products or services being offered,
• The need to create a distinctive impression,
• The idea that is being delivered to the consumer should be relevant

• The company name should contain words like “corporation”, “company”, “incorporated”, or “limited”
• The company name may contain abbreviations as well like “corp.”, “co.”, “inc.”, or “ltd.”
• The chosen name should not imply that the said corporation has been organized for any purpose other than what has been outlined in the articles of incorporation.
• The law states that the application for reservation of name will be rejected if it contains certain words will like Bank, Banking, Engineer, etc
• The chosen name should be distinguishable from those already existing in the state entity database e.g., LKC Inc is the same as L.K.C. Inc.

Search Corporation name availability on the Colorado Secretary of State’s website

The Colorado business name availability search is the most important step towards name reservation in the state. If your company name is not reserved then you will not be able to incorporate in this state. The Colorado Corporation name search is facilitated by the online portal of the Colorado Secretary of State. There are different ways by which you can conduct this search and they are:

• Advanced Search using registered agent name or Trade name
• Entity search using organization name or Organizational ID #
• Business survey information search
• Trademark advanced search

Are you thinking of Incorporating in Colorado?

Need any Assistance in a Colorado Business Name Search?

A corporate name or an LLC name is the most important aspect of any business as it helps in creating an identity for your company. An impactful name will make your business stand out and this is good from the perspective of marketing, sales, and competition. Hence, choosing the right name is not the only important step but it should be followed by conducting a Colorado business name search. This process will ensure your chosen name can be used in this state.