What is a business name search in Ontario?

A business name search in Ontario checks the availability of your proposed business name to ensure it’s unique and not already registered by another company.

Why is a business name search important before registering a business?

It prevents legal conflicts, ensures your brand is unique, and avoids potential issues with trademarks or provincial registration rules.

What is a NUANS report for business name registration?

A NUANS report is a detailed search comparing your proposed business name against federal and provincial databases to verify its uniqueness, often required for federal incorporation.

Do I need a NUANS report or Ontario Name Search?

It depends on your business type. Federal corporations require a NUANS report, while Ontario sole proprietorships, partnerships, and provincial corporations usually need only an Ontario Name Search.

How do I perform a business name search in Ontario?

You can perform a business name search online via the Ontario Business Registry or through ServiceOntario to check if your proposed name is available for registration.

How much does a business name search cost in Ontario?

Fees for an Ontario business name search typically range from $8 to $20 depending on the method used and whether you include a reservation period for the name.

Can two businesses in Ontario have the same name?

No. Each registered business name must be unique within Ontario to avoid confusion and legal conflicts.

How long is a NUANS report valid for business registration?

A NUANS report is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. It must be submitted within this period for federal incorporation purposes.

Can I reserve a business name in Ontario after a name search?

Yes. After confirming availability, you can reserve the name for a period, usually 90 days, before completing business registration.

What happens if my chosen business name is already taken?

You will need to choose an alternative name and perform another name search to ensure it is unique and compliant with Ontario regulations.

Is a business name search required for sole proprietorships and partnerships?

Yes. If the business operates under a name other than the owner’s legal name, registration and a name search are required in Ontario.

Can a business name search help protect my brand in Canada?

Yes. It ensures your business name is unique and reduces the risk of trademark disputes or legal challenges from other businesses.

What is the easiest way for Ontario business owners to complete a business name search?

Using a service like Launch a Business simplifies the process, providing guidance on NUANS or Ontario Name Search, name reservation, and compliance with registration requirements.

Business Name Searches: Why They’re Important (Even If They’re Not Mandatory)

Natalie Paquette
Dec 10, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Jan 14

When you’re starting a new business, one of the most exciting moments is naming it. You brainstorm, get creative, test out options with friends — and finally land on the perfect name. But, before you hit “register,” there’s one small but powerful step that can save you a ton of headaches later: a business name search.

Even though it’s not always required for every type of registration, skipping this step can lead to some big issues down the road — from rejected registrations to legal conflicts or brand confusion. Let’s break down why a name search is worth your time and how it helps protect your business.

What Exactly Is a Business Name Search?

A business name search is a way to see if the name you want to use is already taken or too similar to an existing one. Think of it as a background check for your business identity.

Depending on what type of business you’re starting, the search might look a little different:

For incorporations: A NUANS report (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) is required to compare your proposed name against other corporate names and trademarks across Canada.
For sole proprietorships, partnerships or tradenames: A search isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended to make sure no one else is already using the same or a confusingly similar name.

Name Search vs. NUANS Reservation: What’s the Difference?

This is where many new entrepreneurs get a little confused — and it’s totally understandable! A name search and a NUANS reservation are related, but they’re not the same thing.

Here’s how they differ:

A Business Name Search or name pre-search simply checks name availability. It helps you find out if your desired name is already being used by another registered business or corporation. You can run a search as many times as you’d like before deciding which name to use.
A NUANS Reservation, on the other hand, is an official step required for incorporations (federal or provincial) when using a custom name. Once you choose a name, you’ll order a NUANS report, which includes a reservation number. That number “reserves” your chosen name for a limited time — typically 90 days — while you complete your incorporation filing.

In short: The name search helps you explore and confirm availability. The NUANS reservation officially holds the name for your incorporation.

If you’re registering a sole proprietorship, partnership or tradename, you’ll only need to do a basic name search — not a NUANS reservation.

Why It’s Worth Doing — Even If It’s Not Required

1. Protects You from Rejections

If you file your registration or incorporation with a name that’s already in use, your application could be rejected. Doing a name search ahead of time helps you confirm your name is available — and keeps your launch timeline on track.

2. Avoids Legal and Trademark Issues

Using a name that’s already registered or trademarked by another business can land you in legal trouble. A name search helps you spot potential conflicts before you invest in branding, marketing, or a website.

3. Builds Trust and Credibility

A unique business name stands out and makes your business easier to find online. When customers search for your business, you don’t want them to end up on someone else’s website because your name is too similar.

4. Saves Time and Money in the Long Run

Rebranding after you’ve already launched — new logo, website, business cards, signage — can be costly and stressful. A quick name search upfront can save you thousands later.

5. Gives You Peace of Mind

Simply knowing your business name is clear, available, and uniquely yours gives you confidence moving forward. No second-guessing, no surprises.

How to Do a Business Name Search

You can start by searching the Ontario Business Registry or using the NUANS database for more in-depth results. If you’re incorporating, you’ll need to obtain an official NUANS report that’s dated within the last 90 days.

Not sure where to start? At Launch a Business, we make the process simple — we can handle your name search, NUANS reservation, and registration together to make sure everything’s done right the first time.

Quick FAQ: Business Name Searches in Ontario

1. Do I need a NUANS report for a numbered corporation?

Nope! Numbered corporations skip the name search and reservation process altogether because your corporate number automatically becomes your legal name (for example, 1234567 Ontario Inc.).

2. Can I use the same business name as another company in a different province?

It depends. If the name is federally incorporated or trademarked, you likely can’t use it. Even if it’s only used in another province, you could still run into confusion or legal issues, so it’s best to choose a distinct name.

3. How long does a NUANS reservation last?

Once you order a NUANS report and receive your reservation number, your chosen name is held for 90 days. You’ll need to complete your incorporation before that time runs out — otherwise, you’ll need to order a new report.

4. Can I register my business name without doing a search?

Technically yes, but it’s risky. Without a name search, you won’t know if someone else is already using your desired name — and that could lead to rejection, confusion, or legal disputes later.

5. I ordered an Ontario NUANS report but now I want to do a Federal corporation - can I just use the same report?

Nope! Your NUANS has to be ordered for where you are incorporating. Order an Ontario NUANS for Ontario corporations, and a Federal NUANS for federal corporations. If you order one, then change your mind, you’ll just need to order a new one!

The Bottom Line

A business name search might seem like a small, optional step — but it’s one of the smartest things you can do before registering your business. It protects your brand, helps you avoid legal issues, and ensures your business starts off strong and professional.

Before you commit to your name, take a few extra minutes to make sure it’s truly yours.

Ready to check your business name? Let’s make sure your perfect name is available — and help you register your business the right way.

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