How to Check If Your Brand Name Is Available (Domains, Socials, Trademarks)
Before you fall in love with a name, make sure it's actually available. Here's a fast, reliable process to validate domains, socials, and trademarks.
1) Start With Variants
List 3–5 finalists and 1–2 variants each (spelling, hyphen, suffix like -app, -hq).
2) Domain Checks
- Prioritize .com when possible; strong alternates: .io, .ai, .app.
- Check for parked domains and obvious conflicts.
- Consider add-ons: use{name}.com, get{name}.com if exact match is taken.
Tip: If the exact .com is taken but inactive, you might still succeed with a clear alternate.
3) Social Handle Consistency
Search the same handle on major platforms (LinkedIn, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube). Aim for one consistent handle; if not possible, pick a clear fallback like @get{name}.
4) Trademark Screening (Quick Pass)
- Search your jurisdiction (USPTO/EUIPO/WIPO) for identical or confusingly similar marks.
- Focus on your class of goods/services.
- Look for active/likely-to-conflict marks.
This is not legal advice—engage an IP attorney before filing or launching.
5) Linguistic & Market Checks
- Say it out loud. Is it easy to pronounce and spell?
- Check meanings/slang in key markets/languages.
- Avoid near-homophones that cause mistypes.
6) Make the Call
Score each finalist on Availability, Pronounceability, Memorability, Fit (1–5). Pick the top 1–2 and proceed to secure domains/handles, then file a trademark.
Pro Tip: Generate More Options
If availability is tight, use the AI Brand Name Generator to spin up short, phonetic variants and rerun the checks above.