Business Name Availability

When checking if a business name is available to register, we apply a series of automated tests to assist us in assessing that the name:

• is not identical or nearly identical to a name that is already registered to someone else;
  
  
• is not undesirable for registration; and
  
  
• does not include any restricted words or expressions.

The automated tests are applied in accordance with the rules set out in the Business Names Registration Act 2011 and the Business Names Registration (Availability of Names) Determination 2015 (the Names Determination).

An explanation of these tests is provided below.

It’s important to note that even though a name might be available to register, it does not give you exclusive rights to the use of that name. It is the responsibility of business owners to make sure their name does not infringe on any existing names or Trade Marks. You should always check your proposed business name for any existing trade marks with IP Australia.

For more information, visit How to protect your business name.

For further information on Business Name Availability, visit Business name availability tests.