How to Look Up an LLC in Arkansas? (The Most Effective Way)

If you intend to look up a limited liability company in Arkansas to start a company or find out information about a specific business entity, the article will provide the necessary steps to complete the process.

As an experienced business consultant specializing in Limited Liability Companies, I have over a decade of legal practice helping clients with Arkansas LLC formation.

After extensive research and collaboration with our panel of legal advisors, I will provide vital information to address your business name search concerns.

Quick Summary

How Do I Look up an LLC in Arkansas?

You can use several resources to look up an LLC in Arkansas. The Arkansas Secretary of State is the primary database for business entity searches.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, businesses in Arkansas employed a total of 1,290,817 people in 2024, with average annual employment growth over the past five years of 1.4%, highlighting the significant role of LLCs and other business entities in the state's economy [1].

1. Use the Arkansas Secretary of State Search Tool

The Arkansas Secretary of State provides an online search tool that allows you to look up LLCs and other business entities registered in the state.

Here's how to use it.

a. Business Entity Search

You can do an Arkansas business search by name. We recommend this option if you know the exact name of the LLC that you are looking for.

Once you have selected your search option on the Arkansas Secretary of State site, simply enter the relevant information and click "Search."

If you are searching by business name, you will be able to choose from a list of results that match your query.

b. Filing Number Search

You can also search by filing number. This option can be helpful if you are unsure of the exact name of the LLC.

If you are searching by filing number, you will be taken directly to the profile of the LLC that you were looking for.

c. Registered Agent Name

An LLC registered agent is a designated individual who receives the service of process on behalf of the LLC.

To search for the Arkansas registered agent, input the individual’s name in the search box. All entities under the person’s name will be made available to you.

"A struggling business in search of an apt name may find inspiration by examining lists of expired names within search results; such names might just align with the business's identity."

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

2. Call the State

I remember a time when I couldn't find the specific details I needed online, so I called the Arkansas Secretary of State's office directly. The staff was incredibly helpful, guiding me through the search process over the phone.

They not only found the LLC information I was looking for but also explained how I could access similar information in the future.

The business division's phone number is 501-682-3409.

3. Send an Email

Another option is to send an email to the Arkansas Secretary of State's office requesting information about an LLC. Use the business division email, corporations@sos.arkansas.gov.

Be sure to include as much information as you have about the LLC, such as its name or entity number, to facilitate the search process. The office will respond with the information you requested or guide you on how to obtain it.

4. Other Business Entity Search Alternatives

In addition to the primary methods of searching for a business entity in Arkansas through the Secretary of State's online tool, there are alternative strategies you can employ to gather information about a business entity:

• Legal and Financial Databases: Subscription-based services such as LexisNexis, Dun & Bradstreet, or Bloomberg provide comprehensive details on business entities, including LLCs. I found they can have a huge depth of information available on some LLCs.
• Local Government Resources: Some information about a business entity may also be available through local government offices, such as the county clerk's office where the business is registered or operates.
• Professional Networking Sites: Websites like LinkedIn can be useful for researching the executives and employees associated with a business entity.
• Public Records and Court Documents: For businesses involved in litigation or significant legal matters, public records and court documents can be a valuable source of information. These documents can provide details on legal disputes, outcomes, and the potential impact on the company's operations and reputation.
• Social Media Platforms: Try social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. By following a business's social media profiles, you can access the latest updates, promotional activities, customer reviews, and interactions.
• Search Engines: Utilizing search engines like Google, Bing, or DuckDuckGo is a fundamental step in researching business entities. A simple search can lead to a variety of sources, including the company's official website, news articles, press releases, and mentions on third-party sites.

The Manufacturing, Real Estate and Rental and Leasing, and Healthcare and Social Assistance sectors contributed the most to Arkansas' GDP in 2024, representing a combined 37.2% of the state GDP, as per Ibis World [2].

This indicates areas of high business activity and could guide your search and research towards these sectors for more insightful information.

Related article:

• How to Cancel an LLC in Arkansas
• Top LLC Filing Services in Arkansas
• How Much Does an LLC Cost in Arkansas

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

To check if a business name is trademarked in Arkansas, you can use federal and state trademark databases.

Federal Trademark Check (Through the USPTO)

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) maintains a comprehensive database of all registered and pending trademarks in the United States [3].

Here's how to conduct a search:

1. Visit the USPTO Website: Start by going to the official USPTO website. Look for the "Trademarks" section.
2. Use the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS): The USPTO offers the TESS database, which allows you to search for active and inactive trademarks. This tool is essential for conducting a thorough search of federally registered trademarks.
3. Conduct Your Search: You can search by the name, owner, or serial number of the trademark. For a business name, start with a basic word mark search to see if your desired name or something very similar is already trademarked.
4. Analyze the Results: If you find a trademark that matches or closely resembles your desired business name, examine the goods and services listed under that trademark to determine if they are in the same category as your intended business use.
5. Consider Legal Advice: If you're unsure about the results of your search or the legal implications, it's wise to consult with a trademark attorney who can provide professional guidance.

State Trademark Check (SOT Website)

In addition to federal trademarks, businesses can register trademarks at the state level, which offers protection within that specific state. Here's how to check for state-level trademarks:

1. Visit the State's Secretary of State (SOS) Website: Each state has its own database for trademarks registered within the state. Start by finding the official website of the Secretary of State (SOS) for the state in question.
2. Look for the Trademark Section: On the SOS website, navigate to the section dedicated to trademarks. This section might be under "Business Services" or a similar heading.
3. Use the State's Search Tool: Most state SOS websites offer a search tool for trademarks. Enter the business name you're interested in to see if there's a state-level trademark.
4. Review the Results: Just like with the federal search, review any trademarks that come up to see if they're in the same or a similar category as your intended use.
5. State-Specific Rules: Keep in mind that trademark laws and protections can vary significantly from one state to another. Some states may offer more comprehensive search tools than others.

Reasons to Perform a Search

Here are all the reasons you should conduct a search for an LLC in Arkansas:

• Avoid Legal Issues: Ensures that the business name or trademark does not infringe on existing trademarks, potentially avoiding costly legal disputes and litigation.
• Brand Identity Protection: Helps establish a unique identity by ensuring your business name or trademark is not already in use, thereby protecting your brand's reputation and image.
• Market Differentiation: Aids in differentiating your business from competitors by selecting a unique name, which can be crucial for marketing and brand recognition.
• Compliance with Registration Requirements: Verifies that the name meets all legal requirements for trademark registration, including distinctiveness and non-confusion with existing trademarks.
• Financial Savings: Prevents financial loss associated with rebranding efforts, marketing material changes, and any legal costs due to trademark infringement claims.
• Domain Availability: Ensures the availability of a matching or suitable domain name for an online presence, which is essential in today's digital marketplace.
• Social Media Presence: Checks the availability of the business name on social media platforms, which is crucial for digital marketing and establishing an online presence.
• Investor Confidence: Increases confidence among investors and stakeholders by demonstrating due diligence and the legal safeguarding of your brand.
• Long-term Brand Value: Lays the foundation for building long-term brand value and equity by starting with a legally sound and distinct name.

FAQs

References:

1. https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-Small-Business-Economic-Profile-AR.pdf
2. https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/economic-profiles/arkansas/
3. https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/patents-help/arkansas