Once you have chosen a name for your brand, there are several considerations, checks, and investigations you should perform to ensure that the name is legally available, and that it will effectively represent your brand.
Here are some of the key steps you should take:
- Trademark search: Conduct a thorough trademark search to ensure that the name is not already registered or in use by another company. You can conduct a trademark search on the websites of the US Patent and Trademark Office or other relevant trademark registries in your country.
- Domain name availability: Check the availability of domain names for your chosen name, as you will likely want to use your brand name in your website domain name. You can use domain name search tools to check for the availability of domain names that match your chosen name.
- Social media handles: Check the availability of social media handles for your chosen name on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If the handles are already taken, you may need to adjust the name or consider alternative handles.
- International considerations: If you plan to expand your brand internationally, conduct a search to ensure that the name does not have any negative connotations or inappropriate meanings in other languages.
- Legal clearance: Consider working with a lawyer to ensure that your chosen name does not infringe on any existing trademarks or legal rights of other companies.
- Consumer testing: Consider conducting consumer testing to ensure that the name resonates with your target audience and effectively communicates your brand values and personality.
- Overall brand strategy: Evaluate the name in the context of your overall brand strategy to ensure that it aligns with your brand messaging, values, and positioning.
Taking the time to perform these checks and investigations can help you avoid costly legal issues and ensure that your brand is effectively represented by the chosen name.
