The Ultimate Guide to Naming an LLC in Utah

Registering your freelance business as an LLC (Limited Liability Company) comes with a host of perks. But before you can reap the benefits of operating as an LLC, you need to complete your registration. And the first step involves coming up with a unique name.

What’s in a name, at least when it comes to your LLC? Well, it carries more weight than you might think. Sure, your business name should be memorable so your customers won’t easily forget you, but this is also the legal name that appears on all of your business’s formal documents. 

Also referred to as a “trade name,” you’ll end up using this name for everything from setting up your business’s bank account and signing contracts, to representing yourself in legal cases.

The good news is that you get to choose your LLC’s name, so get as creative as you want. The bad news is that your choice might be limited by some confusing legal rules and regulations. And, to make things even more complicated, every state has its own rules about how you can name your LLC.

Since you’re planning on registering your LLC in Utah, having an understanding of the state’s naming requirements is key. If you don’t know the rules, you could end up wasting time coming up with a name that’s rejected, or violates an existing trademark. And no one likes rejection…or lawsuits! 

So, if you’re a freelancer in Utah, check out the information below to learn a bit about what it takes to name your business right. 

Utah LLC Name Requirements

Your business’s name must end with one of the following:

•     Limited Liability Company
•     Limited Company
•     LLC
•     L.L.C.
•     LC
•     L.C

Also, “Limited” may be abbreviated as “Ltd.” and “company” may be abbreviated as “Co.” However, most people just stick with “LLC”. 

For example, let’s say you want to call your business the ABC limited liability company. You can write it out as: 

• ABC Limited Liability Company
• ABC Limited Company
• ABC LLC
• ABC L.L.C.
• ABC LC
• ABC L.C.
• ABC LTD
• ABC Limited Liability Co.

Restrictions to remember 

In Utah, your LLC’s name can’t contain the words: 

•     Bank
•     Banker
•     Banking
•     Banc
•     Banque
•     Banco
•     Bancorp
•     Bancorporation
•     Bankcard
•     Bancard
•     Savings Association
•     Building Association
•     Savings and Loan Assoc.
•     Building and Loan Assoc.
•     Savings Bank

Whatever name you choose shouldn’t be misleading to the public. For example, your LLC’s name shouldn’t imply a false government affiliation.  

This is why using the following words would be a big no-no: 

•     Agency
•     Commission
•     Department
•     Bureau
•     Division
•     Municipal
•     Board

Your LLC’s Name Must be Unique

Utah law specifies that your LLC’s name needs to be unique in several ways, so you can’t just use any name you want and add “LLC” to the end of it. 

The name can’t be the same as, or even just similar to, the name of an existing LLC that’s on file with the Utah Division of Corporations. 

Expect that, when you go to file your LLC articles of organization with the Utah Division of Corporations, they’ll check that your proposed name isn’t already used.  If the name is already registered by someone else, your articles will be rejected and you’ll need to refile using a new name. 

There is an exception, though: If the other LLC agrees to let you use the name, you might be good to go. Unfortunately, it’s usually impossible or too expensive to get this consent. 

How can you be sure that your name won’t get rejected?

Prior to filing your articles, check if the name that you want to use is actually available in Utah.  If you’re using an attorney, they can help you check for the name’s availability. Just keep in mind that attorney fees quickly add up, especially when you’re first starting off. 

If you’re filing all of the paperwork yourself, it’s up to you to check the availability of the name you want. You can perform a search for the name in the Utah Online Business Registration Database.  

But you should know that this database only shows you names of other LLCs that are registered with the Utah Division of Corporations. If you want to be sure that your name is so unique that it doesn’t match the names of businesses in other states, this tool isn’t going to help you.  

Want to reserve your name before someone else grabs it? 

Let’s say you’ve come up with a fabulous name, and can’t see your business running under any other name but that one. You’ve done your homework and confirmed that the name isn’t in use, so it’s up for grabs. 

But what if someone else comes up with the same brilliant name and swoops in and snatches it up before you do?!  Don’t worry. There’s a strategy you can use to ensure that your perfect name is still available when you file your articles. 

All you have to do is reserve the name by filing an Application for Reservation of Business Name  with the Utah Division of Corporations. The reservation may be filed online at the Utah OneStop Online Business Registration system website or by mail. 

You’ll get hit with a $22 fee. But it’ll all be worth it because they’ll hold your name for up to 120 days, and during that time, only you’ll be able to file articles of organization using that name. Thank you, paperwork.

Businesses with Similar Names in Other States

What if another business is using a similar name in another state?  

It still might not be a good idea to use it, even if you can register it with ease in Utah.

Tips:

1. You shouldn’t use a name similar to other well-known businesses. 

We’re talking about names like Amazon, Tesla, or McDonald’s. 

Did you know that these companies sue other businesses that use similar names? McDonald’s regularly sues companies that use the “Mc” prefix. Pretty extreme, but true. So, to avoid problems, it’s best to steer clear of similar business names.

2. You shouldn’t use a name that’s similar to another company that provides similar goods and services. 

If the other business finds out, it might sue you for unfair competition. To protect yourself, and if you only plan on doing business locally, you can search for the names of local businesses within your niche.  

If you plan on doing business around the country, search for businesses on a national level. 

How to search for business names that might be too similar to yours:

1. Perform an online search for the business name that you’re hoping to use. See if anyone else, anywhere, is already using it or something like it. Also look into what goods and services they sell.
2. Check out SuperPages or the Thomas Register of Products and Services to search for trade and corporate names online. It’s free!

What About Trademarks? 

Trademarks are different from business names. We know, it gets confusing. Hold tight, we’re about to explain.

First off, when the Utah Division of Corporations registers your LLC name, it just establishes that name as your LLC’s formal legal name. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll actually have the legal right to use that name, or any form of it, to sell your products or services. 

Secondly, there are federal and state trademark laws designed to protect the names that are used to market products and services. Companies often use a shorter version of their business name as a trademark.  

Example: Apple Computer Corporation becomes Apple, which is the trademark for all of those computers and devices everyone loves. 

Okay, but what does this all mean for you, the freelancer who just wants to register their LLC and start making money?  

If you choose a name that’s the same or similar to a registered trademark for another business, whether it’s a fellow LLC or another type of company, you could get sued for trademark infringement.  

So, in addition to checking if your dream business name is already registered by another company, you also need to check that you won’t be competing with a trademark that’s the same or similar. 

What if your LLC’s name is registered as a trademark by someone else? 

You’ll need to limit the use of that name to your bank account and legal documents. And that could leave you walking on eggshells.  But, here’s the thing: you don’t have to use your official legal business name to market your goods or services! 

Here’s an example of what we mean: 

If you registered your LLC as “AAA Web Design, LLC,” you can operate under an assumed name, also called a “Doing Business As” or DBA, like “Gorgeous Websites for Cheap.” Use that name on your website, business cards, promotional materials, advertising, etc.  

• You register your Doing Business As name with the Utah Division of Corporations and it’s good throughout the state. To register, file a Doing Business As (DBA) application and pay a $22 fee. You can file online. 
• You can also register your DBA name online when you file your certificate of formation with the Division of Corporations. 

Your “Doing Business As” name can’t be the same or similar to another fictitious name that’s already on file with the Utah Division of Corporations. And it can’t be a name that might violate a trademark. 

So, before you file the appropriate paperwork, do more searching. 

Search in the following locations to make sure the name you chose isn’t already taken:

• Utah Online Business Registration Database
• Utah state trademark search
• United States Patent and Trademark Office

Bonus Tips to Consider When Naming Your LLC

Wow, this information is a lot to take in. Take a breath, and know that you can definitely get it all done and have the perfect LLC name.  Before we send you on your way, we have a few other tips for you.

1. Check if your LLC’s name can be used as your domain name for your website.

Search through domain name registration websites like Register and Network Solutions, or browse the hosting service that you plan on using, like WordPress.   You might need to purchase a domain name that’s owned by someone else or tweak your domain name to find one that’s available.  

This link has a list of resources that could help you generate a domain name if you’re having trouble.

2. Come up with a distinctive business name that stands out, especially if you plan to use a version of your name as a trademark or service mark.

Think about it: you know exactly what Exxon and Häagen-Dazs are because they’re such original names.  Plus, the more distinctive a business name is, the more protection it receives as a trademark.   On the other hand, a name that isn’t distinctive, or is even considered weak, might not get as much, if any, legal protection.

3. Choose a name that’s appealing, memorable, easy to use, easy to pronounce, and easy to spell.

Keeping your name short is also recommended.

4. Avoid the use of personal names (first names, surnames, nicknames, and initials) in your company name. 

Also, avoid names that describe your geographic location, like “Utah Marketing Research, LLC”.  And avoid names that describe the attributes of your products or services, like “Original Web Design, LLC”. Come on, you can do better than that! 

Ready to Come Up with the Perfect Name for Your LLC? 

When you’re ready to launch your business, start by getting creative and coming up with a list of potential LLC names that you’d be happy using.  

Then, keep things simple by contacting us. At Collective, we help you perform all necessary name searches to find out if any potential names don’t make the cut. And we’ll even guide you through the process of registering your business.  

Before you know it, you’ll be one step closer to operating like a pro!