Many businesses invest time and money in developing new company names and identities for new products only to find that others have legal rights to the names.  

Business Link, the popular free business information and advice service today announced that it has introduced a ‘Company name and trade mark checker’ tool to its website, www.businesslink.gov.uk/nameandtrademark. This service enables business owners and entrepreneurs, to check prospective company names and trade marks simultaneously against Companies House and the UK Intellectual Property Office registers.

Companies House and the UK Intellectual Property Offices said in a joint statement:
“If you’re launching a new company or expanding a business where the name is important this tool will allow you to check company names and trade marks at the same time, and help you to avoid unnecessary and costly mistakes. This is a great example of what collaborative government can achieve.”

Mark Barber, a Business Link adviser explained the benefits of the new tool:
“We’re delighted that businesses are now able to access these services so quickly and easily.  The benefits are obvious.  However I think the advantage of them being located alongside other essential business tools and free advice is just as important. It will particularly help businesses who were previously unaware of all the guidance that is available.  Businesslink.gov.uk has become the essential site for all businesses.” 

For more information and guidance around choosing a suitable and unique name and trade mark, as well as the rules and regulations that need to be considered visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/nameandtrademark. Or contact your local Business Link on 0845 600 9 006.

About Business Link

• Business Link is the information, advice and support service for all businesses, funded by the Government.
• Business Link provides the information, advice and support needed to start, maintain and to grow a business.
• Business Link can be accessed online at www.businesslink.gov.uk or by calling the National Help Line on 0845 600 9 006.

The UK Intellectual Property Office website is www.ipo.gov.uk
Companies House website is www.companieshouse.gov.uk

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