Enter words related to your business to get started.
Key Information
Legal Name | Oregon Secretary of State |
Address | Public Service Bldg., 255 Capitol St. NE, Ste. 151, Salem, OR 97310 |
Telephone | |
Website |
How to Do an Oregon Business Search:
This step-by-step guide walks you through the process of researching suitable business names and conducting a thorough online Oregon business name search. Additional business search steps covered include investigating registered trademarks and applying for business name reservation with the Oregon Secretary of State.
Conduct an Oregon business search online.
Go to the Oregon Secretary of State website.
The Oregon Secretary of State (SOS) website features a business name search function in the "Business" tab. This tool can be used to do a quick business search by name or business registry number. Selecting the "Advanced Business Name Search" link redirects users to a dedicated search page with additional search features.
Navigate to the business name search tool.
Select Find a Business and proceed to click on "Business Name Search (Advanced Search)."
Select a search method.
You can select one of seven search methods, ranging from more restrictive to less restrictive options. The top-most option is the most restrictive one and recommended for a name availability search — start with this one.
If your search using the "Business Name Availability Check" method suggests your name is available, you can use the less restrictive methods to research business names that are similar or sound alike.
Enter and search for your business name.
Enter your business name in the search field next to "Business Name" and click "Search for Business Name." If there are no matching results, your name appears to be available. However, the search does not offer official confirmation. Only upon filing the name with the Oregon SOS will the Business Registry staff make the final determination.
If any entries in the business registry database match your search, these will be listed on the results page. In either case, we strongly recommend conducting several more searches using different search methods to ensure there are no similar name entries in the database.
The less restrictive search methods allow you to look up similar-sounding business names without having to enter variants of your chosen name, such as alternate spellings, in the search field. However, to be thorough, you may want to search for variations anyway.
Additional Oregon business search steps.
Perform trademark searches.
Conduct a state and federal trademark search to ensure that you will not infringe on another entity's trademark, as this can lead to serious legal consequences.
Search the Oregon active trademark registrations database by selecting “View Data” and entering your business name in the search field in the top right and/or setting filters.
Search the United States Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) trademark database to search for federal trademarks.
Reserve your business name.
Complete and file an Application for Name Reservation, along with the applicable $100.00 processing fee, with the Secretary of State's Corporate Division to ensure it is available for you to use once you file your entity formation documents.
Oregon business name reservations are valid for 120 days.
