Searching for a business in Maine starts with looking for the registrations and filing the business entity name search and entity search for the state. The process might seem boring, but it reveals hidden treasures where users can work on their entity names freely without encountering rivals. The entity search for business name helps check their state records for already registered names and avoid duplicates.
If you’re searching for an LLC, corporation, or registered firm, the name search helps you come up with brand names for your registered enterprises for filing and registering. New businesses seeking registrations can also avail of the search system and check on name and brand availability, then process their registrations smoothly.
Filing and naming your business with an entity that has a similar name can lead to mergers and conflicts with registrars. The business naming search helps you get data on industry players and get better positions in the market.
How To Do The Business Entity Search
The business entity naming and search process is all automated with the services of the state. They also keep updating records, so all the changes in names and entities are kept posted for everyone to check.
For the users filing their entity name share and name with the state, an automated system will check for duplicates against their records and will monitor changes periodically to make sure names are not getting locked for selected periods.
To sum up, this search helps you save time, money, and a lot of annoyance while enabling you to build a solid foundation for your Maine business.
Step-By-Step Guide to Conducting a Maine Business Entity Search
Following these steps will aid you in conducting a Maine business entity search:
Step 1: Access the Official Website
To start, go to the Maine website and use the Corporate Name Search tool, which the Maine government has provided online.
Step 2: Enter Your Business Name
Type the business name you proposed in the search field, ensuring you enter it without any punctuation and exactly as you plan to use it.
Step 3: Review Search Results
The business entity search database will provide exact matches as well as names that correspond partially, along with alterations.
Step 4: Check Entity Status
Check that the names you are comparing are active entities. Inactive entities can still be protected.
Step 5: Consider Similar Names
Names that sound close can lead to rejection even if the exact name is not taken.
Step 6: Document Your Results
Keep a screenshot or a note of your search results for future use to reference.
Step 7: Test Name Variations
To ensure you are completely covered, use different variations of the name, like with or without “LLC.”
Interpreting Your Maine Business Entity Search Results
When you search, you will most likely be shown:
- Entity Name – The name that is registered to the business will be shown as Entity Name.
- Charter Number – A business registered with a unique identifier, which will also be displayed.
- Status – Indicates if the business is active, inactive, dissolved, or suspended.
- Filing Date – Refers to the day the business was registered.
- Type of Entity – Can be LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.
Filling these out helps you determine if the business name you chose is usable or if it requires some modification.
Rules for Naming Your Business in Maine
Maine issues some general rules concerning the naming of the registered businesses in the state:
- Your name cannot be the same or similar to any of the businesses on record.
- Your name cannot include words that are misleading concerning the business activity.
- Some words like “bank” or “insurance” need to be vetted by the appropriate government bodies before usage.
Words and Designators You Can (and Can’t) Use in a Maine Business Name
Permitted Designators for LLCs and Corporations
- For LLCs: “Limited Liability Company,” “L.L.C.,” or “LLC.”
- For Corporations: “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Company,” “Corp..,” or “Inc.”
Prohibited Words and Restricted Terms
- Words suggesting government affiliation, like “FBI” or “Treasury,” are restricted.
- Banking, finance, and education words may need a license.
Clarifying the “Comma Rule” in Business Names
Maine accepts both “ABC, LLC” and “ABC LLC.” The comma may be excluded, but if included, it must be consistent with the official business registration.
The Distinguishability Rule: How to Make Your Business Name Unique in Maine
The Maine business entity search tool indicates that there is a “distinguishability rule” in effect, meaning your business name must be distinctly different from others. Variations in punctuation, capitalization, and the use of articles “the” or “a” do not make a name unique in this case.
Example: “Pine Tree Bakeries LLC” is not a unique name and would likely be rejected if “Pine Tree Bakery LLC” is taken.
What to Do If Your Business Name is Not Available in Maine
For dissimilar name solutions, you could:
- Make use of distinct service descriptors.
- Rearrange your existing words.
- Incorporate your city of Bar Harbor (i.e., “Bar Harbor Coffee Co.”).
- Be entirely original and completely rethink your name to avoid mix-ups.
Business Name Reservation with the Secretary of State of Maine
You may reserve a name for 120 days using an Application for Reservation of Name with the Secretary of State. While you are preparing your formation documents, you will file a name claim with the state to prevent others from registering your Maine business name.
Categories of Entities You Can Look Up In Maine’s Database
The Maine business entity search includes:
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Corporations (C and S corps)
- Limited Partnerships (LPs)
- Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
- Nonprofit Corporations
- Foreign (out-of-state) entities registered in Maine
Sample Maine Business Entity Search: A Real World Example
Imagine you wish to launch a bakery business named “Harbor Lights Bakery.”
- Proceed to the Maine Corporate Name Search Tool.
- Type “Harbor Lights Bakery” in the search box.
- The results show “Harbor Light Baking LLC” as active. This is close enough that your name might be rejected.
- You opt to change to “Harbor Lights Artisan Bakery,” which passes the search.
Contacting the Maine Secretary of State for Assistance
Phone: (207) 624-7752
Email: corpinfo@sosmaine.gov
Mailing: Bureau of Corporations, Elections, and Commissions, 101 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0101
Moving Forward After an Available Business Name is Found in Maine
Once you complete the Maine business entity search and confirm availability, you can:
- Reserve your name.
- Prepare your formation documents.
- File with the Secretary of State.
- Apply for necessary licenses and permits.
- Begin branding and marketing activities.
Make Your Maine Business Entity Search and Company Formation Easier With EasyFiling
Although you can do the Maine business entity search on your own, working with EasyFiling makes the process much smoother. Your business will benefit from EasyFiling because we conduct:
- Name availability checks
- Business name reservations
- LLC and corporation filings
- Ongoing compliance reminders
You will enjoy growing your business as we work on the required documentation.
Conclusion
Starting with a Maine business entity search protects your brand and your business from unnecessary legal compliance issues later on. Doing this search across all business name options, whether you’re a small LLC or a big corporation, builds a stronger brand and helps you avoid costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Maine Business Entity Search
1. Is the Maine business entity search free?
Yes, the online search tool is free to use.
2. Can I register a name that’s similar to another business?
Only if it’s distinguishable enough under Maine’s naming rules.
3. How long does a name reservation last in Maine?
120 days from the date of approval.
4. Does registering a business name give me trademark rights?
No. To be able to protect your mark at a national level, you would need to apply for a trademark separately.
5. Am I able to check nonprofit organizations using the Maine business entity search?
Yes, nonprofit organizations are part of the database.
Swostika Silwal
