Your LLC's name can have a huge impact on the success of your business. Your name will appear on all of your official documents, like contracts and tax filings, but also on your branding and marketing. Below is a list of LLC naming rules that will allow your business to remain legally compliant within the state of Delaware. These rules include naming requirements, naming restrictions, and conventions that are considered acceptable but not a necessity.
LLC Name Availability
New Delaware LLCs will need to confirm that no other business in Delaware is already using their preferred name. When you submit a Company Name Availability Search with Harvard Business Services, Inc., our team will make sure that your name is unique enough so that it won't be confused with another existing business name.
Delaware vs. National Protection
Registering your LLC name in Delaware ensures that no other business in the state can use the same or a confusingly similar name. However, this is limited to Delaware and does not provide trademark protection. Your name is not protected in other states unless you register your LLC in those states or file a trademark with the United States Patent and trademark office. If you plan to do business in other states, it’s best to register your LLC as a foreign entity in each additional state to prevent any name conflicts.
Other LLC Naming Tips
Here are a few suggestions to help you come up with the best possible LLC name:
LLC Name Changes
You can change your LLC's name by filing a Certificate of Amendment and Harvard Business Services can assist you with the entire process. Before submitting we make sure the new name is available using a Delaware business name search tool. Remember that a name change only affects the legal name of the LLC. It doesn't create a new company or reset your formation date. Once the name change is approved, you should update all relevant records, including your operating agreement, business licenses, and bank accounts.
For any other questions regarding naming an LLC or Delaware LLC formation in general, contact our team and we'll be happy to help you get started.
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