How to Look Up an LLC in Alaska? (A Complete Guide)

Published by Jon Morgan | Co-Founder & Chief Editor

Last updated: September 18, 2024

Methodology
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If you are doing an Alaska LLC name search to create an LLC or simply to find services or products that suit your needs, I will provide you with step-by-step instructions and a list of the most commonly used resources.

I performed in-depth research to provide you with a comprehensive guide, backed by legal information and personal experience.

Whether you are just starting and need some basic information or looking for more detailed records, our guide has you covered.

Quick Summary

How Do I Look Up an LLC in Alaska?

To look up an LLC in Alaska, you can search the Secretary of State website, which offers multiple search parameters to help you find the specific information you need about a business entity [1]. 

1. Use the Alaska Secretary of State Search Tool

The Alaska Secretary of State provides an online search tool that is accessible to the public and designed to help individuals find detailed information about registered LLCs in the state. Here's how to use it.

a. Name Search

Navigate to the Alaska Secretary of State's website and look for the business search section. Once there, choose the 'Name Search' option.

Enter the full or partial name of the LLC you're interested in. This search will return a list of businesses whose names match or closely resemble the name you entered.

"The search is not case-sensitive, treats all alphabets as uppercase, is unaffected by adding or removing spaces in company names, and disregards punctuation marks, ensuring the best possible results irrespective of the search type or criteria."

- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions

b. Entity Number

Once on the website, choose the 'Entity Number' search option. If you know the specific entity number assigned to the LLC by the Alaska Secretary of State, you can enter it directly into the search field.

This method will directly bring up the LLC's profile, providing immediate access to its detailed records.

2. Call the State

If you prefer a more direct approach or need specific information that might not be readily available online, calling the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing is a good option. They can provide guidance, answer questions, and help you navigate the search process.

I remember needing more detailed information than what I found online, so I decided to call the Alaska Division of Corporations. The person on the line was incredibly helpful, guiding me through the search process and answering all my questions about the LLC I was interested in.

You can reach the business division at (907) 465-2550.

3. Send an Email

Emailing the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing is a suitable option if you're not in a hurry and prefer written communication. This method allows you to clearly state your request and provides a record of the correspondence.

Use this email for business queries: corporations@alaska.gov.

I wasn't in a rush and decided to email the Alaska Division of Corporations with a list of questions about an LLC. They replied within a few days, providing thorough answers and even some additional resources. It was a great way to gather information without the pressure of a phone call.

4. Other Business Entity Search Alternatives

Beyond the standard approaches, there are other ways to uncover details about an LLC in Iowa:

• Explore Online Business Directories: Websites like the Better Business Bureau offer a wealth of information, with over 5.4 million businesses listed [2]. These directories can be invaluable for checking a company's background and customer reviews.
• Visit Local or State Government Offices: For direct access to official records, such as the LLC's Articles of Organization or Annual Reports, visiting local government or the Secretary of State's office in person might be the most effective strategy, especially for detailed or complex queries.
• Utilize Search Engines: Conducting a search via Google, Bing, or other popular search engines can quickly yield information about an Iowa LLC, from news articles to official company pages.
• Check Professional Networking Sites Like LinkedIn: Many businesses maintain LinkedIn profiles that provide insights into their operations, industry connections, and more, making it a useful resource for professional background research.

How to Check If A Business Name Is Trademarked in Alaska?

Checking if a business name is trademarked in your state involves a two-step process: conducting a federal trademark search through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and a state trademark search through your state's Secretary of State's (SOT) website. Here's how to do both.

Federal Trademark Check (Through the USPTO)

1. Visit the USPTO Website: Start by accessing the official website of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
2. Use the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS): Navigate to the TESS system on the USPTO website, which allows you to search the federal database for registered trademarks and pending trademark applications.
3. Conduct Your Search: Enter the LLC name you're interested in checking. You can search by word mark, design mark (if applicable), or owner name. It's important to try different variations of the name to ensure a comprehensive search.
4. Review the Results: Analyze the search results for any trademarks that are identical or similar to the business name you're considering. Pay attention to the goods and services listed under each trademark to assess the likelihood of confusion.

State Trademark Check (SOT Website)

1. Find Your State's Secretary of State Website: Each state has its own database of trademarks registered at the state level. Find your state's Secretary of State's (SOT) website, which typically includes a business or trademark search function.
2. Search the State Trademark Database: Use the search tool provided on the SOT website to look for trademarks by entering the business name. Similar to the federal search, consider all possible variations of the name.
3. Examine the Search Results: Look through the results for any state-registered trademarks that could conflict with your desired business name. Note the nature of the registered trademarks' goods or services to evaluate the risk of infringement.
4. Check for Specific State Guidelines: Some states may have unique procedures or additional databases for trademark searches. Ensure you follow any state-specific guidelines or instructions for a thorough search.

Reasons to Perform a Search

Here are all the reasons you should perform a name search:

• Avoid Legal Conflicts: Ensures your chosen business name or trademark doesn't infringe on existing trademarks, reducing the risk of legal disputes and potential litigation.
• Prevent Future Issues: Identifies potential trademark issues early on, preventing costly rebranding or legal challenges after your business is established.
• Market Research: Provides insights into similar business names or trademarks, offering a clearer understanding of your industry and competition.
• Compliance with Registration Requirements: Ensures compliance with state and federal registration requirements, facilitating a smoother trademark registration process.
• Brand Protection: Proactive search and registration of your trademark protect your brand from unauthorized use by competitors, safeguarding your market position.
• Investor Confidence: Demonstrates due diligence to potential investors or partners by ensuring that your business name and brand are legally protected and unique.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in 2024, Alaska saw the establishment of 8,929 new businesses, indicating a vibrant environment for new entities and entrepreneurs [3].

Related Articles:

• How Long Does It Take To Get an LLC in Alaska
• Alaska LLC Formation Services
• How to Close LLC in Alaska

FAQs

References:

1. https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/cbp/main/Search/Entities
2. https://www.bbb.org/
3. https://www.uschamber.com/small-business/new-business-applications-a-state-by-state-view?state=ak