How to Look Up an LLC in Connecticut? (2025 Guide)

Looking up a limited liability company (LLC) in Connecticut can be a daunting task if you don't know how to do it.

As legal experts and business consultants with over a decade of practice, we'll provide a comprehensive guide, so you can easily look up a Connecticut LLC.

We will also provide some tips on how to make the search process easier. Let's get started!

Quick Summary

• To look up an LLC in Connecticut, use the Connecticut Secretary of State's search tool, which offers options like name search, entity number, executive name, and charter number.
• Calling the Connecticut Secretary of State or sending an email are alternative methods for obtaining information about an LLC.
• A Harvard Law study of over 6.7 million trademark applications filed from 1985 to 2016 revealed a substantial depletion of available trademarks, which shows the importance of conducting a trademark search.
• In my opinion, the online search tool is the most efficient and user-friendly method for researching LLCs in Connecticut.

How to Search an LLC in Connecticut?

In the period between March 2021 and March 2022, the US Small Business Administration reported that 1.4 million US establishments opened, reflecting a significant surge in entrepreneurial activity. This makes understanding how to search for an LLC in Connecticut more relevant than ever for aspiring business owners and investors [1].

Here's how to search an LLC in Connecticut.

1. Use the Connecticut Secretary of State Search Tool

You can use the Connecticut Secretary of State Search tool to look up LLCs in Connecticut. There are a few different ways to use this tool.

a. Name Search

Here's how to perform a name when looking up a Connecticut LLC:

1. Go to the Connecticut Secretary of State's Business Services Division website.
2. Select the option to search by business name.
3. Enter the name of the LLC you're searching for in the search box.
4. Click on the search button to view the results. The results will display a list of businesses that match or closely match the name you entered.

b. Entity Number

if you know the specific entity number of the LLC, you can enter it directly into the search field designated for entity number searches.

Submit the search to directly access the LLC's detailed information.

c. Executive Name

To search by an executive's name (such as a member or manager of the LLC), select the executive name search option.

Enter the executive's name and submit the search. This will list entities associated with the executive name provided.

d. Charter Number

If you have the LLC's charter number, use the search option for charter numbers.

Enter the charter number in the appropriate field and conduct the search to find the specific LLC.

2. Call the State

You can also call the Connecticut Secretary of State. Their number for Business Services Division is (860) 509-6002. The business hours are Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

After going through the search process, I had a few questions and decided to contact the Connecticut Secretary of State's office for assistance. The staff was incredibly helpful, and I was surprised at how quickly they responded to my inquiries.

3. Send an Email

Another way to look up an LLC in Connecticut is to send an email to the Secretary of State's office, corporate division. You can reach this division at bsd@ct.gov. 

Make sure to be as detailed as possible with your inquiry to get a helpful answer.

4. Other Business Entity Search Alternatives

Beyond the official governmental resources, here are five alternative strategies for researching an LLC in Connecticut:

1. Social Networks: Numerous firms use social media profiles to highlight their business practices and establish their authenticity.
2. Internet Searches: A quick search on Google can disclose extensive information about an LLC, including media coverage, customer feedback, and its official online presence.
3. Business Listing Sites: Platforms such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, and niche-specific directories can yield insights and critiques concerning LLCs.
4. Legal Research Tools: Resources like LexisNexis or Westlaw can offer in-depth legal profiles of LLCs, encompassing their history of litigation.
5. Professional Networking Platforms: Sites like LinkedIn can reveal information about the company's leadership team and their commercial operations.

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

Checking if a business name is trademarked in Connecticut involves both federal and state-level searches. This is because trademarks can be registered at the state level in Connecticut as well as at the federal level through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Federal Trademark Check (Through the USPTO)

Go to the official website of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. You can search the USPTO's database of registered trademarks and prior pending applications to find trademarks that could conflict with your proposed business name [2].

Enter the business name you're interested in checking into the search field. You can use various search strategies, including searching for exact phrases, variations of the name, or specific elements of the name.

Carefully review the search results for any trademarks that are identical or similar to the name you're considering. Pay attention to the goods and services listed for each trademark to assess the likelihood of confusion.

State Trademark Check (SOT Website)

For state-level trademark searches in Connecticut, start by visiting the Connecticut Secretary of State's website. The state has a specific section for trademarks or business entity searches [3].

Enter the name you're interested in and review the search results for any existing trademarks or business names that might be similar to yours.

"Similar to the federal search, review any trademarks that appear to be similar to your desired business name. Pay close attention to the categories or descriptions of goods and services associated with each trademark."

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

Reasons to Perform a Search

Performing a search to check if a business name is trademarked, especially before starting a new business or branding initiative, is crucial for several reasons:

• Avoid legal issues: Ensures that the business name or brand does not infringe on existing trademarks, potentially avoiding costly legal disputes and the need to rebrand.
• Brand identity protection: Helps in establishing and protecting your unique brand identity, ensuring that your business stands out and is not confused with others.
• Market research: Assists in understanding the market better by identifying similar names or trademarks, which can provide insights into existing competitors.
• Compliance with laws: Ensures compliance with federal and state trademark laws, avoiding legal penalties or barriers to registering your own trademark in the future.
• Investment security: Protects your investment in marketing and branding by ensuring that the name you are investing in is legally available and can be used without restrictions.
• Consumer trust: Builds consumer trust and confidence by ensuring that your business name is legally clear and not associated with any potential trademark disputes.
• Domain and social media availability: Helps in checking the availability of domain names and social media handles, ensuring consistency across your brand's online presence.
• Future expansion: Facilitates future business expansion without the risk of infringing on trademarks in new markets or product lines.
• Licensing opportunities: Identifies potential licensing opportunities or conflicts if you plan to license your brand or products under a specific name.
• Avoid rebranding costs: Prevents the significant costs and logistical challenges associated with rebranding if a trademark infringement is discovered after the brand has been established.

Related Articles:

• How to Dissolve an LLC in Connecticut
• Connecticut Registered Agents
• Best LLC Services in Connecticut

FAQs

References:

1. https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-Small-Business-Economic-Profile-US.pdf
2. https://www.uspto.gov/
3. https://service.ct.gov/business/s/trade-and-service-marks-search?language=en_US