Need to find information about a business registered in Utah? The Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code offers a free online tool called the Utah Business Entity Search. This tool lets anyone search for details on businesses operating within the state.
This guide will walk you through using the Utah Secretary of State business entity search effectively. We’ll cover why you might need to use it, how to perform a search, and what steps to take afterward to ensure your business is compliant.
Why do a Utah business entity search?
There are several good reasons to search Utah’s business entity database:
- Avoid legal problems when starting a business. You need to make sure that the name you want to use isn’t already taken.
- Make sure your business is following the law. You have to comply with Utah’s rules for business names and registration.
- Do your homework before investing. If you’re thinking about investing in a Utah business, you’ll want to check it out first.
- Research your competition. It’s helpful to know what your competitors are called and how they’re structured.
How to perform a Utah business entity search
Here’s a step-by-step guide to searching for businesses registered in the state of Utah.
Accessing the search tool
- Go to the Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code website.
- Look for the Business Search tool and click on the link.
Performing the search
- Choose how you want to search. You can search by business name, entity number, the name of an executive, or the type or status of the business.
- Type in what you’re looking for.
Analyzing the results
- Take a look at the search results. Note the business name, entity number, type, and status.
- If you want to know more about a specific business, click on its name.
- Based on the search results, you can see if the name you want to use for your business is available.
Utah Business Name Guidelines: Key Considerations
When you’re naming your business in Utah, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your name is accepted by the state.
- Distinguishability and Uniqueness: Your business name must be different from any other business already registered in Utah. It also can’t be misleading.
- Rules for LLCs and Corporations: If you’re forming an LLC, your business name has to include “Limited Liability Company” or “LLC” (or a similar designation). Corporations have to include “Corporation” or “Inc.” (or a similar designation).
- Restricted Terms: Words like “bank” or “trust” can only be used if you get prior approval from the state.
Following these guidelines will help ensure your business name is approved and that you can move forward with registering your business in Utah.
Understanding Utah Business Entity Search Results
When you search the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code database, the results will show you key information about the business you’re looking for, including:
- Business Name, Entity Number, Entity Type, and Status: This tells you the legal name of the business, its identification number, what kind of business it is (LLC, corporation, etc.), and whether it’s currently active.
- Registered Agent Information: The name and address of the person or company officially designated to receive legal notices for the business.
- Filing History: Access to important documents filed with the state, like LLC formation documents, articles of incorporation, annual reports, and merger filings.
What if the name I want isn’t available?
If the Utah business entity search reveals that your preferred name is already taken, you have a few options:
- Modify the name. Try adding a word or slightly altering the spelling.
- Explore alternative names. See if you can come up with a totally new name that you like even better.
- Check for similar names. Remember that the state will reject names that are too close to existing ones, whether they’re spelled the same, sound the same, or just look too similar.
Reserving a business name in Utah
If you find a name you like, but you aren’t ready to register your business, you can reserve it.
It costs $22 to reserve a name, and the reservation lasts for 120 days. After that, the name goes back into the general pool, where someone else can claim it.
Business Entity Search vs. Utah Trademark Database
When you’re starting a business in Utah, it’s important to understand the difference between the business entity search and the Utah trademark database. They serve different purposes.
- The business entity search tells you if a business name is available for registration.
- The trademark database protects brand names and logos from being used by others, even if the business isn’t officially registered in Utah.
It’s crucial to check both databases to avoid legal problems down the road. If you want to do a federal trademark search, you may want to talk to a lawyer.
What to do after you search
So, you’ve done your Utah Secretary of State business entity search. Now what? There are a few more things you need to do before you can launch your business:
- Register your business by filing paperwork with the Utah Division of Corporations.
- Get an EIN. You’ll need to apply for an Employer Identification Number from the IRS.
- Choose a registered agent for your business.
- Draft legal documents, such as an operating agreement (if you’re creating an LLC). Also, apply for any permits or licenses that you need.
Should I hire a lawyer to form my LLC?
Forming an LLC in Utah involves some procedures that can be tricky. You may want to hire a lawyer to handle the entire process for you, including filing the paperwork and creating an operating agreement.
Some lawyers offer streamlined and affordable LLC formation services. It may be worth looking into if you want to avoid mistakes or misunderstandings that could cost you more in the long run.
How EasyFiling can help
EasyFiling can help you search for business entities registered with the Utah Secretary of State. We can also help you with:
- LLC formation
Utah Business Entity Search: FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Utah business entity search tool:
- Is there a fee for the Utah Business Entity Search? No, the search is free of charge.
- How do I check if a name is distinguishable from an existing business name? Compare the name you’re considering with the names that show up in the search results. Be sure to consider how the names look, sound, and feel.
- Can I reserve a name through the website? Yes, you can reserve a business name for a small fee.
- Should I check the trademark database before registering my business name? Yes, it’s always a good idea to make sure your business name doesn’t infringe on an existing trademark.
Wrapping Up
The Utah Business Entity Search is a must-use resource if you’re starting a business in the state. It’ll help you stay compliant, steer clear of legal problems, and protect your brand.
By following the steps in this guide, you can go through the business registration process with confidence.
And remember to check both the business entity and trademark databases to make sure your brand name and logo are unique.