Checking business name availability means verifying 4 things: Companies House (company name), UK IPO (trademarks), domain registrars (web address), social platforms (brand presence). Skip one = risk expensive conflicts.
The 4-Step Verification Process
Each step eliminates different risk. Complete all four or face consequences later.
Step 1: Companies House Check
Search Companies House database. Checks if identical company name exists.
What This Prevents
Rejection of company incorporation. Confusion with existing company. Inability to register limited company with your chosen name.
What This Doesn't Prevent
Trademark conflicts. Domain unavailability. Trading name disputes. Similar (not identical) company names.
Step 2: Trademark Search
Search UK IPO and EUIPO databases. Checks registered trademarks.
What This Prevents
Cease and desist letters. Legal disputes over brand usage. Having to rebrand after launch. Trademark opposition when you try to register.
Step 3: Domain Availability
Check .co.uk and .uk availability. Use Trademark Lens to check 15 extensions simultaneously.
What This Prevents
Launching business without matching domain. Using hyphenated or awkward domain. Losing traffic to competitor who owns your name.co.uk. SEO difficulties.
Warning: If YourName.co.uk is taken, seriously consider choosing different business name. 73% of UK customers will type YourName.co.uk when looking for you, even if your actual domain is YourName.uk or YourName.com.
Step 4: Social Media Usernames
Check Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter. Use Trademark Lens to check 12 platforms at once.
What This Prevents
Inconsistent brand presence. Customer confusion. Impersonation issues. Inability to claim your business name on social platforms.
The Fast Method
Trademark Lens checks all 4 areas simultaneously: Companies House, UK/EU trademarks, 15 domain extensions, 12 social platforms. Results in 30 seconds. Free.
What to Do With Results
All green = proceed confidently. Any red in same industry = choose different name. Red in different industry = consult trademark attorney. Domain taken but rest clear = decide if domain matters more than name.
The Decision Matrix
B2C business: Domain is critical, social usernames important. Change name if main domain unavailable. B2B business: Trademarks most critical, can work around domain issues. Social less important.
When to Compromise
Perfect name available everywhere = rare. Usually you'll face decision: keep name with alternative domain, or change name to get perfect domain.
Good Compromises
YourName.uk instead of .co.uk (if .co.uk taken). @YourNameOfficial instead of @YourName on Instagram. YourNameHQ.co.uk if YourName.co.uk taken.
Bad Compromises
Keeping name despite trademark conflict. Using your-name.co.uk (hyphenated). Accepting @YourName_UK_Official_123 on social platforms.