Business names

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A business idea often starts with a name, but your preferred choice could already be in use or contain banned words or phrases. Check if you can use your intended business name with the following resources.

• ONECheck

  ONECheck is an online search tool that combines a company name, domain and trade mark search all in one place. It is designed for people who are looking at starting a new business, renaming their current business or just wanting to check their existing business name is secure. ONECheck packages all the relevant information in one place, so you don’t have to work from three different websites.

• The Companies Office

  As soon as a business name is reserved on the companies register, it is impossible for others to reserve the same or a similar name within the next 20 days. That name protection becomes permanent once the company is registered. This protection only stops other companies being registered in New Zealand under the same name and should not be confused with the intellectual property protection offered by a patent, trade mark or copyright.

  The Companies Office is also the place to find government restrictions on the types of names you can use.

•  IPONZ (The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand)

  IPONZ is the organisation where patents and trade marks on original commercial assets – including business names – are registered. Use the office’s database to make sure your preferred business name isn’t already being used as a commercial asset and, if you already have a logo designed, register the unique combination of words and images that make up your brand as a trade mark so others cannot copy it.

Unlike companies, sole traders and partnerships don’t have any protection over their business names. However, they can apply for a trade mark from IPONZ for their brand or logo to give them exclusive rights to use it in a unique way.

A Google search or a search through the Yellow Pages and other business directories can help you find business names already being used by sole traders or partnerships.

Find out about Intellectual property protection.

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