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When naming your business, how do you make sure the name is not taken and make it yours?

By Nina Kaufman

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

When naming your business, how do you make sure the name is not taken and make it yours?

There are several companies that will perform a nationwide search to determine if the name has been used as part of a trademark or service mark or as an internet domain name. You may also search the records in each state to determine if there is a corporation or limited liability company using the name.

Nina L. Kaufman, Esq. is an award-winning New York City attorney, edutainer and author. Under her Ask The Business Lawyer brand, she reaches thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners with her legal services, professional speaking, information products, and LexAppeal weekly ezine. She also writes the Making It Legal blog.

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