How to Conduct an Indiana Business Search

3. Save your search results

Once you have the information you need, you can either download or print the results. Even if you only need to reserve a business name now, having that information on hand can help for further research down the line.

Indiana's business naming guidelines

There are three main rules when naming a business in Indiana:

Distinguishability. Any new business formed in Indiana must be distinguishable from existing businesses. This means that whatever name you choose cannot be an exact match for another business' name, and it must be different enough that the public can easily distinguish between your company and others.

Business entity designations. Your business name must include some indication of its business structure, such as LLC, corporation, or LTD.

Prohibited terms. Unless you obtain specific approvals from the state, your business name cannot contain a word from the prohibited terms list. These include terms like bank, insurance, or trust.

Other tips for choosing a business name

Outside of the legal requirements for choosing a business name in Indiana, there are some other things to remember to boost your chosen name's impact.

Check domain name availability

Even the most eye-catching name can struggle without a domain name to match. Before you register your business name with the state, spend a little time thinking about how you'll name your website and whether your top choices are available.

Reserve social media handles

Just like domain names, social media handles (Instagram, X, etc.) can be incredibly important for branding and advertising. Make sure to reserve names on any social media platforms you intend to use for your business.

Search for trademarks

Trademark infringement law is complicated, expensive, and time-consuming, which is why you should avoid it at all costs. Make sure that any business name you choose doesn't step on the toes of an existing intellectual property, especially if that property is known to litigate cases of infringement.