If you are planning to register or incorporate your business, then performing a name search is the most important first step. You have to ensure that the proposed business name is available for use and not used by other people as a trademark or a corporate name. Please select one of the options to continue: | ||
Learn about name searches
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| Learn More About Name Searches | Order a Name Search Now |
Learn About Business Name Searches
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What is a NUANS® Search System?
A NUANS name search is a computerized search system that compares a proposed corporate / business name or trade-mark with databases of existing corporate names and trademarks. This comparison determines the similarity that may exists between the proposed name or trademark and existing names in the database, and produces a listing of names that are found to be most similar.
The search report consists of 7 pages and allows you to evaluate the availability of the proposed name.
You can view a sample of the NUANS report here - PDF or Image
View
this quick video to learn more about NUANS searches.
Why do I need a NUANS Search?
NUANS name search report is required in order to register:
1. Provincial or Federal Corporation
2. Not-for-profit organization or a Charity
3. Register a Trademark
In addition, NUANS search is a fairly comprehensive search to check availability of a business name.
A NUANS name search is necessary to incorporate your business in Alberta, Ontario or Canada. Requesting a NUANS search online takes only a few minutes. Your NUANS report is usually ready within 2-3 business hours. Your NUANS search report will show what specific corporate names that sound similar to your proposed name are already registered. It will also show you if you can use the proposed corporate name.
If the name already exists, then you will have to do a NUANS name search again. That is why we recommend doing a preliminary business name search before an actual NUANS search. That gives you an opportunity to search for up to 3 business names at a much lower price.
If you are registering a corporation and the proposed name does not exist, the NUANS search would actually reserve the name for 90 days.
What is a Preliminary NUANS Search?
If you are considering several names for your business, you can perform a Preliminary Name Search before making a final decision. A Preliminary name search will allow you to check up to 3 names for $15 plus tax.
You can view a sample of the Preliminary name search here - PDF or Image
| Order Preliminary Search | Order NUANS Name Search |
What is the difference between Preliminary and NUANS searches?
Preliminary search is a low cost alternative that allows you to check up to 3 names for one low fee of $15. However, this search is limited to exact match only and does not provide phonetically similar names, like a NUANS search does. Also, it does not reserve the name, it only checks the name.
NUANS search on the other hand, provides phonetically similar names and if no match found, actually reserves the name for 90 days. However, you can do only one name search per order.
The process for reserving a name in British Columbia
In British Columbia all names must be approved by a government examiner. The process takes several business days. For full details please visit this page.
The process for reserving a name in Saskatchewan
Similar to the British Columbia all names must be approved by a government examiner. The process takes several business days. For full details please visit this page.
Searching business names in Alberta
Alberta government accepts standard NUANS searches, so performing a Preliminary search and then a NUANS search would be advisable.
Searching Federal Corporate Names
A federal NUANS search is required to register a federal corporation. Please keep in mind that the name must be approved by a federal examiner and they use very strict rules for name approval.
Searching business names in Ontario
Ontario government accepts standard NUANS searches, so performing a Preliminary search and then a NUANS search would be advisable.
Searching business names in New Brunswick
New Brunswick government accepts standard NUANS searches, so performing a Preliminary search and then a NUANS search would be advisable. You may also need a separate cover page for the NUANS search. There is no extra charge, but you have to request the cover page by using the Comments section of the order form.
Searching business names in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia government accepts standard NUANS searches, so performing a Preliminary search and then a NUANS search would be advisable.
Searching business names in P.E.I.
P.E.I. government accepts standard NUANS searches, so performing a Preliminary search and then a NUANS search would be advisable.
What to expect after search order is placed
- Preliminary Name Search is usually ready within 2 business hours
- NUANS name search is usually ready within 3 business hours
- Once ready, your search report will be uploaded to your account or delivered based on the preferences you select on the order form
Order Your Business Name Search Now
Simply select the appropriate link below to be redirected to the application form.
- Order Preliminary NUANS search - Canada-Wide - (3 names for $15)
- Order
NUANS Report -
($39.95)
for Alberta - Ontario - Federal Corporations - New Brunswick - Nova Scotia - P.E.I.
- Order Name Reservation for British Columbia Business or Corporation ($59.95)
- Order Name Reservation for Saskatchewan Business or Corporation ($79.00)
- View other Corporate Services here.
You will be directed to our secure server for submitting your
application.
