Starting a business in Michigan includes many steps, and one of the most important tasks is a Michigan business name search. Selecting the best business name is necessary for many reasons, and one of them is to ensure the name you want is viable legally and not already used by another business. In this complete guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about how to conduct a Michigan business name search, and why it is an important step to take when starting your new venture.

What is Michigan Business Name Search?

A Michigan business name search is the act of searching the availability of a proposed business name, within the state of Michigan. This search is usually done with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). When entrepreneurs search the business name registration database, they can confirm if their potential business name is in use or not and if they can register it.

What is a Michigan Business Name Search?

Before you register your business; you will want to make sure the name you are going to use is not the same as another registered name. Here are a few reasons why:

• Legal Problems: The State of Michigan does not allow two businesses to operate under the same or confusingly similar names.
• Branding – Is your business name going to make its first impression? You want it to be unique and memorable.
• Trademark – Name searches can help you avoid trademark registration issues (and possibly have legal issues).
• Internet Presence – Your chances of securing an appropriate domain name (with a .com extension) and Social Media handles exist when you use a contrasting business name.

In conclusion, you start your business by minimizing some risk when you conduct a proper Michigan business search. You are also doing great things for yourself and getting your new business off to a solid start!

How To Conduct A Michigan Business Name Search

Here’s a simple 4-step process to successfully (and quickly) conduct a Michigan business name search:

Step 1: Go to the Michigan LARA Site,

You will find that the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (“LARA”) has a free and easy to use business entity search tool on its website. You can utilize this to search for corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships in Michigan.

Step 2: Visit the Business Entity Search Tool

After landing on the website:

• Search and click on the Business Entity Search page.
• Type the desired business name in the search box.
• Select “Name” as your search type.
• Click the search icon.

The tool will then display a list of active businesses with similar or identical names. If your name is in use, you will have to choose a different name.

Step 3: Review the Results

When reviewing the search results:

• Look for identical names or ones that may be confusingly similar.
• Make sure your desired name is distinguishable and not confusing.
• Check that there aren’t any trademarks or registered brands with your suggested name.

Step 4: Reserve Your Business Name (Optional

If your desired name is available and you are not ready to register your business, Michigan does allow you to reserve the name for six months by submitting an Application for Reservation of Name and the appropriate minor fee.

Advice for Choosing a Business Name in Michigan

Performing a Michigan business name search is only part of the process! You also have to choose a name that fits your brand and business objectives. Here are some suggestions:

• Keep it simple and easy to remember.
• Avoid numbers or special characters that may make it difficult to spell.
• Check to see if the domain name is available for brand consistency across the internet.
• Avoid generic or overused terms.

Verify compliance with Michigan’s business naming rules, like including “LLC” or “Inc.” where appropriate.

Mistakes to Avoid in a Michigan Business Name Search

Many people make the mistakes listed below during the Michigan business name search process, potentially delaying registering a business.

• Bypassing the complete search process, only to find out later that the name you want is taken.
• Using Google or searching social media to check name availability.
• Ignoring similar names that might cause confusion or lawsuits.
• Not checking trademark databases at the state and federal levels.
• Believing that if a domain name is available, the business name is available.

Avoiding the mistakes above will help make your task of registering a business easier.

Registering Your Business Name in Michigan

Once you have successfully completed a Michigan business name search, you will want to officially register your business with the State of Michigan. Here is what you will need to do:

1. Determine your business entity (LLC, Corporation, Partnership, etc.).
2. File your articles of organization with Michigan LARA.
3. Pay any required fees depending on your business entity.
4. Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS.
5. Register for any required state taxes, licenses, etc.

You will notice that the registration process will vary slightly based on how the business is organized, but the commonality is completing a successful Michigan business name search.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Michigan Business Name Search

Is a business name search really free in Michigan?

Yes, the business entity search tool available from Michigan LARA is free to use.

How long will it take for my Michigan business names search?

The search can be accomplished in as little as a few minutes online.

Can I register a DBA name in Michigan?

Yes, you can register a DBA, also known as “assumed name,” with either the county or the state depending on your business entity.

What if my business is too similar to another existing business?

Michigan may reject your registration application. You will have to choose a name that is more unique and not likely to confuse it with any other registered entities.

In conclusion: Start with a Michigan Business Name Search

Regardless of whether your business is a tech startup in Detroit or a bakery in Traverse City, the first step for you as an entrepreneur is to do a comprehensive Michigan business name search. Running a Michigan business name search will allow you find out if the name you’ve chosen for the brand is available, legal, and complies with local laws.
Taking the time to conduct a proper Michigan business name search will save time, hassle and headaches if a problem with your name arises later on. After you’ve conducted your name search and have verified that the business name is available, you can confidently take the next steps to register your business and start your adventure as an entrepreneur in the Great Lakes State.

Key Takeaways

• A Michigan business name search will help you determine if your chosen business name is available.
• Use the search tool on the Michigan LARA website for reliable and free results.
• Make sure your business name is distinguishable, memorable, and compliant.
• If you still aren’t prepared to register the business, reserve the name.
• Do your due diligence by making sure that you aren’t overlooking anything else that could be available, including trademarks and domain names.