How to Look Up an LLC in Utah? (Most Effective Method)
To find out if your desired Utah business name is available, you can perform a Utah business entity search in several different ways.
With over a decade of practice as a business consultant for limited liability companies in various states, I’ll provide you with an in-depth guide on how you could look up an LLC in Utah.
After extensive research and collaboration with our legal advisors, this guide will provide accurate and reliable methods for conducting an LLC search, ensuring you have all the necessary information at your fingertips before you start your Utah LLC.
Quick Summary
- To look up an LLC in Utah, go to the Secretary of State's website and use the business entity search tool.
- In Utah, LLC lookups can be conducted through various methods, including name search, entity number search, executive name search, contacting the state office directly, and utilizing email inquiries.
- The Utah Division of Corporations oversees a database with over 5,000 state-registered trademarks, highlighting Utah's vibrant business sector.
- My experience has shown that conducting an LLC search ensures business name uniqueness, avoiding trademark infringement, and understanding market competition.
How to Search an LLC in Utah?
To search for an LLC in Utah, you'll primarily utilize the Utah Secretary of State Division of Corporations.
This comprehensive resource allows you to conduct free searches by business name, entity number, or executive name. This provides a range of options to find the specific information you need.
This search tool allows you to enter the proposed LLC business name and see a list of all existing Utah LLCs.
You can do an entity search by:
1. Using the Utah Business Name Search
Searching for an LLC in Utah involves several steps and methods, each tailored to different search objectives.
Here's a closer look at these methods:
a. Name Search
The name search is the most straightforward approach.
For example, if you're interested in starting a business named "EcoClean LLC," you will:
- Access the Utah Secretary of State's business entity search tool.
- Enter "EcoClean" into the search bar.
- Review the list of businesses that appear to ensure your desired name is unique and not already in use.
Similar or identical names to your specified term will be returned.
You don't need to include all words from the LLC name in the search. For example, searching for "ABC Productions" will yield results for both "ABC Productions, Inc." and "ABC Production Company, LLC."
The search results will display the registered agent and contact information for each listed LLC.
b. Entity Number
You can also get specific details about the LLC if you have an entity number, perhaps from a business card or a previous search.
Here are the steps you can take:
- Navigate to the same search tool on the Secretary of State website.
- Select the option to search by entity number.
- Input the number to access comprehensive details about the LLC, such as its registration status, history, and compliance records.
c. Executive Name
Searching by an executive's name is particularly useful for researching the business affiliations of a specific individual.
Use the executive name search feature on the state website.
After you enter the executive name, the results will display all LLCs associated with that individual, providing insights into their business network and activities.
"If your chosen name isn't distinct, you'll have to think of a different name or variation for your LLC. Utilizing the Utah Business Entity Search, which is available at no cost, allows you to continuously test out new LLC name options until you identify one that is unique."
- Jon Morgan, CEO, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter
2. Call the State
When online resources do not provide the required information or for more complex inquiries, contacting the Utah Secretary of State’s office directly via phone can be an effective solution.
You can reach them at (801) 530-4849 for general information or (801) 530-6438 for more specific queries related to business entity searches.
This approach is especially useful for clarifying legal nuances or obtaining the latest updates that might not yet be reflected online.
3. Send an Email
Emailing the Secretary of State's office is advisable to obtain official documentation or detailed queries requiring thorough responses.
You can email them at correspondence@utah.gov for general inquiries or business@utah.gov for specific questions related to LLC searches and business names.
This method is ideal for requiring a formal response or certified documents.
4. Other Business Entity Search Alternatives
Beyond the official state resources, here are other channels you can explore for LLC information:
a. Social Media Platforms
Beyond the official state resources, here are other channels you can explore for LLC information. Check platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter.
These social media platforms often provide insights into a company's online presence, promotions, and interactions with customers and clients.
b. Search Engines
Beyond the official state resources, here are other channels you can explore for LLC information. Google or Bing can provide unofficial but useful information about LLCs in Utah.
These search engines can lead you to news articles, online profiles, and other sources that may contain valuable information.
c. Local Business Directories
Beyond the official state resources, here are other channels you can explore for LLC information. Online business directories may list LLCs operating in Utah. These directories can help you find contact details and basic information about local businesses.
d. Industry-Specific Databases
Beyond the official state resources, here are other channels you can explore for LLC information. Some industries have dedicated databases or associations that maintain business listings. These resources can be valuable for niche-specific information about LLCs.
e. Networking Events
Beyond the official state resources, here are other channels you can explore for LLC information. Attend local business networking events and gatherings. These events can provide an opportunity to meet business owners and gather information about active LLCs in your area.
How to Check If A Business Name Is Trademarked in Utah?
Here’s a detailed approach on how to check if a business name is trademarked in Utah:
1. USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS)
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provides a detailed database for trademark searches.
Access TESS here to search for word marks, designs, or combinations similar to your desired business name.
This search should include various strategies, such as checking for phonetic equivalents or variant spellings. The USPTO also offers tutorials to guide you through this process.
2. Utah Trademark Records for State-Specific Trademarks
Besides federal trademarks, checking for state-level trademarks in Utah is essential.
The Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code maintains a database of state-registered trademarks. According to their records, the database includes over 5,000 state-registered trademarks, showcasing the diversity and entrepreneurial spirit within Utah's business community.
This search is crucial as state trademarks might not appear in the USPTO database, making it an important step for thorough due diligence.
3. Hiring a Trademark Attorney for a Thorough Search and Legal Advice
While online searches provide a good foundation, consulting with a trademark attorney can offer deeper insights and legal expertise.
An attorney specializing in intellectual property can interpret search results, advise on potential trademark conflicts, and guide you through the trademark registration process.
The Utah State Bar provides a directory of licensed attorneys for finding specialized legal professionals [1]. According to the Utah State Bar, this directory is a crucial resource for the public and legal community, facilitating access to over 8,000 active members practicing across various legal fields in Utah.
When establishing an LLC in Utah, ensuring that your chosen business name does not infringe on existing trademarks is crucial. This not only helps in avoiding legal complications but also ensures that your brand identity is unique.
Reasons to Perform a Search
There are several reasons why one might conduct an LLC search in Utah:
- To ensure the uniqueness of a business name before registration.
- To avoid legal issues related to trademark infringement.
- To gather information about competitors in the market.
- To perform due diligence before a business partnership or deal.
- To verify the legal status and compliance of an LLC.
- To obtain contact information for business networking.
- To research the market for a new business venture.
- To check the reputation and history of an existing LLC.
Related Articles:
- How Much Does an LLC Cost in Utah
- Top LLC Formation Services in Utah
- Premium Registered Agent in Utah
- Dissolving an LLC in Utah
FAQs
How Do I Add a DBA to My LLC in Utah?
To add a DBA to your LLC in Utah, you need to file a "Statement of Assumed Business Name" with the Utah Division of Corporations. The filing fee is \$22.
Can I Search a Utah LLC by Their EIN?
You cannot search a Utah LLC by their EIN because the Employee Identification Number is not available to the public. Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to obtain the information.
References:
- https://www.utahbar.org
