How do I know if a name for a photography business is used by another?

Question

I searched it on Google [the name I want] and there doesn't seem to be an official site just other random things that come up..So should I use the name then?

Answer 1

Here (Ireland) you have to register company names, there can't be two similar companies with the same name

If you have to register the business there may be something like what we have

Answer 2

Yes!

Answer 3

Look through your national, local and if available international phone book. If you don't find any clashes then go to google again and look at the random results to make sure that they also don't clash if thats ok then you can use the name.

sorry it seems like such a long process but you don't want to get sued or anything so hope this helps.

Answer 4

Googling is useful & very helpful at times, but it is not a "catch all" solution.  So is the phonebook.  Here is another critical step... which I learned when opening a studio for a client.

One more VERY IMPORTANT step I can think of is to go to the local government offices.  I don't remember which exact office, but it's the one that you will have to file your "Doing Business As..." papers with (if you do not use your name for the business).  When you get there, ask them if you can search the local registry of business names.  This is very important, because there may be people who registered the name you are considering -- but have either closed up shop, or have yet to open up shop.  Believe it or not, there are some people who have filed business names from years ago, who have just not taken the last step -- opening up shop.  Because of this, it is very likely that they slip under the radar of just about every internet search (including Google, & the phonebook being that they have no phone services).

One more suggestion I offer, pre-plan for things like your website & the possibility of multiple location growth.  By this I mean that you should also do domain searches for your business name.  Even if you can't afford a website now, it will become mandatory as your business grows.  Do not count on facebook or myspace -- plan for a real website eventually.  Finally, you might want to do the same name search with close-by counties if there is a possibility that you hope to open multiple locations in time.

Good luck & also ask the "Doing Business As..." clerks for other recommendations.

Answer 5

If you googled it (which was what i was going to suggest) then go for it.

If the name you want is being used by another then they obviously aren't very big, important or have enough resouces to get onto the internet let alone find out that you used the same name.

Worst comes to worst you get told to change the name.

Good luck with the business =]

Chloe <3