Lyla Lindsey
If you want to find registered business names in Australia, you can search the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) business names register. This will allow you to see if a name is available to register. You can also use the ABN Lookup, which is a free public view of the Australian Business Register (ABR). This provides access to publicly available information supplied by businesses when they register for an Australian Business Number (ABN). It's important to note that registering a business name in Australia doesn't give you exclusive rights to use it. If you want exclusive rights, you'll need to apply for a trademark.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Business name registration | Mandatory for businesses operating under a name other than the owner's name |
| Registration body | Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) |
| Registration requirements | ABN, account number, contact details, joint venture partners' ABN |
| Registration tools | ASIC Connect, Business Registration Service, Australian Business Register |
| Name availability | Check using ASIC's Organisations and Business Names search, ABN Lookup, TM Checker |
| Additional considerations | Domain name registration, social media handles, trade marks |
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What You'll Learn
Search ASIC's business name register
To find registered business names in Australia, you can search the ASIC business name register. This is a useful way to find out more about existing business names and their holders.
The ASIC website provides a range of online services for business name holders, including the ability to apply for a credit licence, update credit licence details, and appoint credit representatives via the Credit Licensee portal. You can also lodge regulatory documents and transactions in the ASIC Regulatory portal.
When searching the ASIC register, you can find information on registered and cancelled business names, including the business name holder, their ABN, and any other details. You can search by a person's name or an organisation's name to see any related business names. This is a useful way to check name availability if you are registering a new business.
The ASIC register also provides current and historical business name extracts for purchase, although these cannot be bought online. The fee charged will depend on the type of extract. It is recommended to check the free information available before purchasing an extract.
Additionally, the Australian Business Register (ABR) provides the ABN Lookup tool, which is a free public view of registered businesses and their ABN details.
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Check ABN Lookup
ABN Lookup is a free public view of the Australian Business Register (ABR). It provides access to publicly available information supplied by businesses when they register for an Australian Business Number (ABN). ABN Lookup can be used to validate ABNs, pre-fill forms, and keep ABN details stored in a database up to date.
ABN Lookup served over 1.1 billion searches in the last ten months, with 83% of those searches using the ABN Lookup web services. The service is free and easy to use.
To renew a business name, you will need your account number or ABN handy. You can renew your business name in the Company Officeholder Portal.
If you suspect that an ABN quoted to you is not correct, you can check it online or by phoning a self-help service.
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Check for trademarks
In Australia, you are required to register a business name if you run a business and are not operating under your own name.
When it comes to trademarks, it is important to note that registering a trademark in Australia is not mandatory to establish rights. The "First to Use" jurisdiction grants full rights over a trademark to the person who uses it first, regardless of whether they have filed for registration. However, registering a trademark has its benefits. In Australia, the first to use a mark or the first to file for registration, whichever occurs earlier, is considered the authorised and legal owner of the trademark. Additionally, common law rights are acquired through the use of a mark.
To check for trademarks in Australia, you can utilise the following methods:
- Visit the website of the national trademark office at https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au. This website provides information and resources related to trademark registration and protection in Australia.
- Utilise a free trademark search tool offered by some organisations. These tools allow you to check the availability of a trademark before initiating the registration process.
- Consult with Australian attorneys or trademark specialists. They can guide you through the process of searching for existing trademarks and assist with the filing and processing of your trademark registration.
- Search ASIC's business name register. ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) maintains a register that contains information about existing business names and their holders. This can help you identify potential conflicts or similarities with your desired trademark.
By conducting thorough searches through these methods, you can gain valuable information about existing trademarks in Australia and make informed decisions regarding the availability and protection of your desired trademark.
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Check domain name availability
When registering a business name in Australia, it's essential to check the availability of the corresponding domain name. While registering a domain name is not mandatory, it's a good idea to secure one that reflects your business name to ensure you have the desired web address when you need it.
To check domain name availability, you can utilise the services of domain registrars or follow these steps:
Use a Domain Registrar
Domain registrars like VentraIP, Australia's largest independent registrar, offer a straightforward process for registering domain names. They provide 24/7 support, transparent pricing, and a wide range of domain name extensions to choose from.
Search .au Domain Administration Ltd (.auDA)
The .auDA website is a valuable resource for checking the availability of Australian domain types like .com.au and .net.au, which are commonly used by Australian businesses.
Check Social Media Handles
Before finalising your business name and domain, it's worth checking if there are available social media handles or usernames that match your chosen name. This consistency across your online presence can enhance your branding and make it easier for customers to find you on social media platforms.
Search ASIC Registers
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) maintains a business names register that you can search to see if your proposed name is available. You can also use ASIC's Organisations and Business Names search to find information about registered companies, bodies, and entities.
Consider Trademark Protection
While registering your business name, consider whether you want exclusive rights to use it. If so, you'll need to apply for a trademark, as registering the name alone does not provide these rights. You can use IP Australia's free TM Checker tool to check for similar trademarks before finalising your decision.
Remember, registering a domain name is a crucial step in establishing your online brand and ensuring you have control over your desired web address. By following these steps, you can ensure that your chosen business name is available as a domain and that you have the necessary online presence for your venture.
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Check social media handles
When registering a business name in Australia, it is important to check if the corresponding social media handles are available. This is because social media is an affordable and effective way to promote your business and connect with customers.
There are a range of tools available online to check if a social media handle is already in use. It is a good idea to check the major social media platforms that you plan to use for your business, such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
To do this, simply go to the username search bar on each platform and type in your desired business name. If the name appears as a suggestion, it is likely already in use. You can also try variations of your business name, such as adding underscores, periods, or numbers, to see if those handles are available.
Additionally, you can use a social media handle availability checker tool. These tools allow you to enter your desired username and will then check multiple social media platforms at once to see if that handle is available. Some tools may also suggest alternative handles that are similar to your desired name if your first choice is already taken.
By taking the time to check social media handle availability, you can ensure that your business has a consistent online presence and avoid any confusion or trademark issues with other businesses that may have the same or similar names on social media.
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Frequently asked questions
You can search ASIC's business name register to find information on existing business names and their holders.
ASIC stands for the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
Registering a business name doesn't give you exclusive rights to it. You will need to apply for a trademark if you want exclusive rights to your business name.
