Your first step:check that the name isn’t already being used by another business.If it is, avoid risking a costly row and a trade mark infringement or a ‘passing off’ action in the courts.
You may also get into trouble even if your name is merely similar to a name already being used.Below are some links where you can carry out FREE initial checks to see if the name or similar name you like is already registered at any of the below registries.
Companies House name check
The WebCHeck service offers a searchable Company Names and Address Index free of charge which enables you to search for information on more than 2 million companies.
UK trade mark name check
Check if your name has already been registered as an identical UK trade mark in relation to the sort of goods or services you sell. Any similar marks including phonetically similar that are registered may also cause problems and ideally you also need to make sure no such similar marks are registered.
Detailed checking for similar marks is a highly skilled task you may need professional help.EU trade mark name check
As above same as UK however it also extend the search to EU based register to see if the name is registered as an identical Community Trade mark (which means it is enforceable through the EU) in relation to the sort of goods or services you sell.
Domain Names check
Conclusion
