Ownr conducts a preliminary name search when you start building your company on our platform. Our search tool will indicate if there is an exact match for the name, or if the name will likely be rejected for another reason (e.g. missing a descriptive term). This tool is meant to help you select a name that is more likely to be approved by the government. You can perform unlimited free searches before you submit your application.
Learn more about how to name your business in our Business Name Guide article.
The name search does not mean your name has been approved. The government registry will approve or deny your name once you submit your application.
As you enter potential company names in the search tool, you may encounter an exact name match or similar name message. Learn more about what each message means and what to do if you encounter a message as you register your business.
Ownr is not authorized to provide legal or business advice. If you have concerns regarding a business name you wish to proceed with, contact a legal professional for guidance.
Exact name match message
In the name search tool, an exact name match message may appear. This warns you of an exact match for the business name you have entered. Learn more about exact name match messages below:
Sole proprietorship registrations
If you are registering a sole proprietorship and enter a company name that has already been registered, the following message will appear in Ownr:
We recommend that you alter the proposed name or change it altogether. While sole proprietorships can technically register the same name as an existing company, complications may arise in the future. Possible implications can include, but are not limited to, civil litigation and/or the forced name change by the applicable business registry. We also want to ensure you are creating a unique brand that will help your business stand out and thrive in the future.
Incorporations
If you are incorporating and enter a company name that has already been registered, you will see the following message in Ownr:
Unlike sole proprietorships, corporations may not register with the same name as an existing company. You will need to change your proposed name in order to move forward with incorporation.
However, if you have previously registered the name in some capacity, this could be why you are receiving the warning. You can proceed by providing further information.
If you previously registered this name as a Trademark or Trade Name, or have an existing Nuans Name Search Report:
1. Click the Click here button.
2. The Select Existing Name Registration window will appear. Choose the option that is applicable to your scenario using the drop-down menu.
If you have an existing Nuans, upload the document in the Select Existing Name Registration window.
If you previously registered this name as a sole proprietorship or general partnership:
1. Click the Click here button.
2. The Select Existing Name Registration window will appear. Select Business Under This Name from the drop-down menu.
3. Sign the consent form to allow the corporation to use the same name.
Similar name message
In the name search tool, a similar name match message may appear. This warns you of a similar name for the business name you have entered. Learn more about similar name messages below:
Sole proprietorships and incorporations
If you enter a company name that is similar to an existing company, you will see the following message in Ownr:
A list of the similarly named companies will appear below the message. While you may proceed with your proposed name, the government may flag your application once it’s been submitted in Ownr and require further information or alterations to be made to your business name.
An Ownr team member will contact you If the government rejects your name or requires further information, and will assist you with submitting the necessary information or altering your name.
If you require further support, contact our Customer Support team at [email protected], or via the live chat feature on ownr.co for assistance.