Ohio LLC or INC Business Name Search

Ohio Business Entity Search

When you are planning to start a new company in Ohio, you will need to choose a structure first. The entity structure plays a crucial role in defining several aspects of incorporation or business formation and takes into account the governing laws or Ohio business name rules. Most states, including Ohio, would require you to reserve or register your business name with the office of the Secretary of State. There is a process for the same and includes:

• Identifying a business name
• Conducting an Ohio business name search
• Reserve the name if available

• It is important to follow Ohio business name rules or governing laws while choosing a name
• Check your state’s laws for a restricted word list. Such words cannot be used in the name
• Don’t use a name that is similar to another entity’s name
• You can conduct an Ohio business name search to check the similarity with other names
• Choose a name that can be pronounced easily, like “Jimmy’s Kitchen”
• Your company name should convey a business purpose or activity like “Alice AutoRepairs”
• Try to keep a company name that is consistent with your brand
• You can use business name generators easily available online
• Your chosen name should not in any way cause trademark infringement
• You can go with a traditional business name or opt for a DBA (doing business as) name
• Ensure your chosen name is web-friendly, and domain name is easily available

What is an Ohio business name search?

It all starts with a business name. Whether you are in the ideation phase or have decided to launch a new company, either way, the foremost step would be to identify a business name as it will become the cornerstone of your brand. It is a known fact that a business name has the power to influence certain assets and aspects of any business as they enable the growth of brand equity. Once you have identified a name, an Ohio business name search will help you determine whether your chosen name is unique or not. This is also known as the Ohio business name availability search. Let’s look at an example to understand how this process really works.

Naming your Ohio LLC

If you have taken a decision to start a limited liability company in Ohio then the first move should be towards choosing a company name. The chosen name is what the LLC will be identified with during formation, branding, and marketing among others. This will be the official as well as the legal name of the entity. This name will be mentioned in the articles of organization as well as other important business related documents. Hence, it becomes important to ensure that the chosen name complies with the Ohio business name rules and guidelines. You must also reserve the business name after conducting a proper Ohio LLC name search. There are important aspects to consider when it comes to naming your limited liability company, as mentioned below.

General Ohio LLC naming rules

It is imperative to follow Ohio business name rules and guidelines, as not adhering to these laws may lead to the cancellation of the said name. The naming of your limited-liability company is governed by the 2022 Ohio Revised Code, Title 17 – Corporations-Partnerships, Chapter 1706 – Ohio Revised Limited Liability Company Act, Section 1706.07 – Naming of Limited Liability Company. The general rules for an LLC name are:

• The chosen name should be distinguishable from the name of any other entity on the records of the secretary of state like any domestic or foreign limited liability company. You can check for distinguishability by conducting an Ohio LLC name search.
• The chosen name should also be distinguishable from the name of any domestic or foreign corporation, limited liability partnership, and limited partnership pursuant to OH Rev Code § 1706.07 (2022).
• If you plan to use a name in a foreign language, then it should not conflict with the English translation of such a name. For example, “Le Café de la Montagne” means “The Mountain Cafe” when translated into English. However, Le Café de la Montagne will not conflict with any previously registered businesses that have been named “The Mountain Cafe.”
• Ohio business name rules also state that a company cannot use words restricted by the state, and this includes:
  • A name that contains profanity
  • A name that improperly implies the said business is affiliated with a government agency like the N.S.A
  • Certain words, such as banking, bank, trust, etc., should not be included in your business name without prior approval.

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

Once you have identified a name that is in compliance with the state laws, the next step is to conduct an Ohio business entity search or name availability search. The website of the Ohio Secretary of State offers a simple and single online search option for conducting this search. Let’s look at how this search is conducted.

Search by company name or any name

This is the only method for conducting an Ohio LLC name search. You can search for a company name that is starting with a specific word or a phrase. You can conduct this search without using a designator like LLC as the database will reveal names of every type of entity. You can choose to search for all entities, active entities only, and canceled and dead entities only. Let’s look at an example to understand this process.

Do you want to form an LLC in Ohio?

Naming your Ohio Corporation

There are a variety of entities that you can form in the state of Ohio, and one of the most popular is a business corporation. If you are planning to establish a corporation, then it’s time to choose a name, which will be the primary identifier of your company in the near future. You have to follow Ohio business name rules and guidelines as governed by the 2022 Ohio Revised Code, Title 17 – Corporations-Partnerships, Chapter 1701 – General Corporation Law, Section 1701.05 – Corporate Name – Transfer – Reservation. You will need to conduct an Ohio Corporation name search to also ensure the chosen name is available for reservation. Let’s look at the various aspects to consider when naming your new company.

General Corporation naming rules

The Ohio business name rules vary according to the type of entity structure, and hence the guidelines for corporations will differ from that of a limited liability company. It is important to follow the state business name rules and regulations, as this will minimize the risk of your chosen business name getting rejected. It is necessary to also conduct an Ohio Corporation name search to check for the availability of the chosen name. Otherwise, you will not be able to reserve such a name. The general rules for a corporate name in Ohio are:

• If you are planning to establish a C Corporation, your chosen name should contain words like “corporation,” “incorporated,” “limited,” or “company.”
• The name may also contain abbreviations like “corp.”, “inc.”, “co.”, or “ltd.,” pursuant to OH Rev Code § 1701.05 (2022)
• If you are starting a traditional C Corporation, then the name should not contain the word “benefit”
• The name should be unique and distinguishable from the name of any other company operating in the state, and you can check this by conducting an Ohio business name availability search
• You should also check the list of restricted words, especially those associated with specific professions or industries, such as banking or insurance.

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

Once you have finalized a name for your corporation, the next step is to conduct an Ohio business entity search. The website of the Ohio Secretary of State offers you access to conduct this type of search for both domestic and foreign corporations. Let’s look at how a corporate name search is conducted.

Search by corporate name or any name

This is the only option available for conducting an Ohio Corporation name search. It is fairly simple and can be carried out by using a specific name or abbreviation. You can conduct this search without using a designator like Inc. or Corp., as the database will reveal the names of all entity structures. You can choose to search for all entities, active entities only, and canceled and dead entities. Let’s look at an example to understand this process.

Are you thinking of registering for a corporation in Ohio?

Need any Assistance in an Ohio Business Name Search?

The name of a limited liability company or that of a corporation will be at the company’s core. The contribution of a business name to any company is significant as it helps introduce the company to probable customers. Such a name is also required to carry out all business-related work and documentation, including getting business licenses. Hence, it’s important to choose the right name for your company and an Ohio business name search will help you to do just that. This process looks laborious and this is where IncParadise can provide meaningful assistance.