5 Reasons Why You Should Conduct an Ontario Corporation Search
Every year, Canadians start more than 95,000 new businesses, and most of them are in Ontario. Maybe you’re thinking about setting up a new business yourself. Maybe you want to do business in Canada’s largest province.
If that’s the case, you should be thinking about an Ontario corporation search.
Why do you need to do a search before you open your doors in Ontario? These five reasons will help you see why it’s so important.
1. Make Sure Your Name Is Not in Use
The first reason to conduct an Ontario corporation search is a practical one. Before you open up shop, you want to make sure your name isn’t already in use in Ontario.
Why is that?
You could run into some legal trouble if you pick a name that someone else is using. They may have incorporated already. That gives them the legal right to use the name in Ontario or even across Canada.
If that’s the case, you don’t want to use the name. There’s a reason why businesses are so protective of their names though. If two businesses are using the same name, it can cause confusion for customers.
You may not think it’s much of a problem in some cases. You’re operating in Southwestern Ontario and the other company has set up shop near Ottawa. If you ever decide to expand, though, it could be an issue.
It can also spell trouble for online marketing, websites, and more. Potential customers may not be able to find you online. They keep finding your competitor instead.
Conducting an Ontario business search can help you avoid this issue.
2. You’re Thinking about Incorporating in the Future
Conducting a corporation search in Ontario is also a good idea if you plan to incorporate in the future.
If you want to incorporate in Ontario, you’ll need to make sure your name isn’t already in use in the province. If you want to incorporate at the federal level, you’ll need to make sure the name isn’t already registered.
Corporations registered in Ontario have the legal right to use that name in the province. When a corporation is registered at the federal level, they have the right to use the name all across Canada.
If you start operating under a name that’s already in use and later try to incorporate, you’ll have to change your name.
3. An Ontario Corporation Search Lets You See Similar Names
You can also conduct an in-depth Ontario NUANS search. This report lets you see not just exact matches for your desired name but similar names as well.
As mentioned, businesses are usually protective of their names. Some business owners may decide to take legal action if they feel your name is too much like theirs.
That’s because names that are too similar can still cause confusion for customers.
People may type in the wrong web address and buy from the wrong business. They might go to the wrong location. They may turn to your competitors because the name of your Toronto gym keeps turning up an Ottawa auto repair shop.
It’s in your best interests to know what similar names are in use. You want your business to stand out so you don’t lose customers. A unique name makes it easier for people to find your business.
4. It’s Mandatory for Incorporation
If you’re planning to incorporate in Ontario, now or in the future, you’ll need to include a NUANS report. The seven-page NUANS Name Reservation Report is mandatory for your incorporation application.
Even if you’re not incorporating A NUANS report is a good step to take before a registering, although it isn’t necessary. As mentioned above, it can also help you identify names that are already in use, as well as similar names.
5. It’s Free to Get Started
Finally, an Ontario business search doesn’t cost anything. You can search for a business name using our Free NUANS Preliminary Search. These NUANS searches can help you discover if your preferred name is already in use in Ontario or Canada.
The preliminary report only contains exact matches. If you want more in-depth information, you’ll need to pay for the NUANS Name Reservation Report.
Keep in mind that a NUANS Name Reservation Report is only good for 90 days. It can be helpful to run one before you open your doors in Ontario or before you get all your signage made up. If you decide to incorporate six months later, though, you’ll need to get another report.
If you’re wondering how to find a business name, then the free search is a great place to start. It may be just what you need to think outside the box, so you can discover a unique name for your business.
The Right Name Starts Your Business on the Right Foot
Whether you want to register an existing business in Ontario, you’re thinking of starting one, or you’re planning to incorporate, an Ontario corporation search is a great step to take. With it, you can make sure your business name is truly unique.
Ready to get started with a name search? It’s easy to start a free preliminary report. This NUANS search can help you see if your name is already in use.
It might also be just the spark you need to discover the right name for your business to operate under.
