A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for New Business Owners
Before you register a company, one of the most important steps is making sure the name you want is available.
A name that is already taken—or even too similar to an existing one—can be rejected during registration.
This guide explains exactly how to check if a company name is available, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
1. Start With an Initial Online Search
Before using official systems, do a quick online search to see if the name is already widely used.
✔ Google the name
Look for businesses with the same or similar names locally or internationally.
✔ Check social media
Search the name on:
- TikTok
If the name is already taken as a page or username, it might create branding conflict later.
✔ Check domain availability
Try the name as a website address (example: mycompany.com).
A good business name should ideally have an available domain.
This step helps you filter obvious duplicates early.
2. Use Your Country’s Official Company Name Search Portal
Every country has an official authority that approves or rejects company names.
If you’re in Sri Lanka, this is the Registrar of Companies (ROC).
Through the official name search system, you can check:
- Whether your chosen name already exists
- Whether a similar name exists
- Whether someone has reserved your desired name
- Whether the name violates naming rules
If your name appears in the search results or is too close to an existing name, you’ll need to adjust it.
3. Compare Your Name for Similarity — Not Just Exact Matches
New entrepreneurs often think a small difference makes a name unique, but that’s not true.
Names can be rejected if they are:
- Too similar in spelling
- Too similar in sound
- The same once abbreviations are removed
- Different only by punctuation or spacing
Examples:
- “Blue Sky Travels” vs “Blue Skye Travels”
- “Tech Solutions” vs “Tech Solutionz”
- “ABC Holdings” vs “A.B.C. Holdings”
If a name can confuse the public, it will likely be rejected.
4. Modify the Name if Necessary
If your first choice is unavailable, you can make the name unique by:
- Adding meaningful words
- Using your initials
- Adding industry terms (e.g., Travels, Foods, Digital)
- Adding a location (e.g., Lanka, Colombo, Asia)
- Using creative spelling only if it is still clear and readable
Avoid overly generic names like “Star Holdings” or “Global Traders” because they often already exist.
5. Reserve the Name Once You Find an Available One
If the name looks available, submit a Name Reservation Request through your official company registry system (ROC).
Reserving the name:
- Protects it from being taken by others
- Keeps it secure while you prepare your company documents
- Guarantees that it will remain yours for a set period
This is the final confirmation that your name is truly available.
6. Bonus Tip: Consider Trademark Availability
Even if the company name is available for registration, it might still conflict with:
- An existing trademark
- A well-known brand
- A protected name
If you plan to grow your brand, it’s a good idea to do a basic trademark search as well.
Final Thoughts
Checking if a company name is available is a crucial step in starting a business.
By following these steps, you can avoid rejection, save time, and secure a strong brand identity.
Quick Summary
- Search your name ideas on Google
- Check social media and domain availability
- Use your country’s official company name search
- Avoid similar or confusing names
- Modify the name if needed
- Reserve the name officially
