I think what youre really asking is, "How do I make sure I dont use a trademarked name?"If thats the question, then just go to http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?f=se... and use the search form to find out if your name has been trademarked. Then check your states corporate commission to see if anyone has registered the name as a business or DBA. Some states, like Arizona, let you search online for names and browse existing ones. Its pretty cool. :-).--Answer1:When you form a corporation, the folks who handle that paperwork filing will be checking their data bases to make sure you arent asking to use a name already taken by another corporation -- thats a no-no. Im not sure if its possible to check the same thing with partnerships or assumed business names..--Answer2:Part of the issue may be with what form of business you (will) have. Generally speaking, for a sole proprietorship, you go to the county office where they deal with "assumed names" where you can search the name your wanting to use to see if its already taken. They should have a computerized system that will list and be able to check all names. Once youve made sure the name youre wanting to use is available, you will fill out the paperwork, pay a fee (mine was $11) and get a "DBA", which stands for "Doing Business Advertising", or "Doing Business As". Once you have that, you should be ready to go.But you REALLY should consult a lawyer who specializes in setting up business entities! If there is any chance you could be sued or have any liability--should someone get hurt, or if damage to a clients property occurs--you really do NOT want to have a sole proprietorship! Most lawyers wont recommend sole proprietorships or general partnerships. And if you decide to go with some form of corporation (C corp or S corp), limited liability corporation (LLC) or a limited partnership, youll need a lawyer to draw up the papers.Do some research before you jump in. There are a lot of good books on the subject, and one of my favorite is "Own Your Own Corporation" by Garrett Sutton, Esq. Hes a corporate lawyer. Hes also one of the "Rich Dad Advisors" to Robert Kiyosaki, who has written several books on business and creating wealth. I have a business degree, and I find his books to be clear, easy to read, and "right on"! Most of what I learned in college was very "old school", out-dated and, frankly, completely off-the-mark.You dont want to wait too long, but its often better to go a little slower, research potential problems thoroughly, and make sure youre getting your business set up properly in the first place, than it is to have to constantly go back and fix problems that will inevitably arise.Good luck with your business!!Dawn