Choosing a business name is an exciting part of launching your enterprise. It defines your brand, reflects your values, and helps you stand out in the market. But before printing that logo or investing in marketing, here’s a crucial legal question:
Is your business name legally available—or already taken?
As a business lawyer, I’ve seen too many aspiring entrepreneurs waste time and money on names they couldn’t legally use. The good news? The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provides a free, easy-to-use online tool that allows you to check business name availability in minutes.
Here’s a step-by-step legal guide to help you avoid costly mistakes and secure your brand.
🔍 Why Business Name Availability Matters
Before we get into the “how,” let’s clarify the “why.”
Registering a business name with the DTI is required for sole proprietorships in the Philippines. But registration can only proceed if:
The name is not already registered
The name doesn’t sound confusingly similar to another registered entity
It complies with DTI’s naming guidelines
✅ Legal Reminder: Using a name that’s already registered—intentionally or not—can lead to legal disputes, branding issues, and denial of registration.
✅ How to Check Business Name Availability on DTI Online
Step 1: Visit the BNRS Website
Go to the official Business Name Registration System (BNRS):
🔗 https://bnrs.dti.gov.ph
This is the DTI’s online portal for registering and renewing business names, as well as checking availability.
Step 2: Click “Search Business Name”
On the home screen, select “Search Business Name” from the navigation menu. This will lead you to a search tool where you can check if your desired name has already been registered.
Step 3: Enter Your Proposed Business Name
Type your desired business name into the search bar
Choose the business scope (Barangay, City/Municipality, Regional, or National)
Click Search
You’ll then see a list of results showing similar or exact matches.
🔎 Legal Tip: Don’t just look for exact matches—also avoid names that sound too similar to registered ones, especially in the same industry or area. The DTI may reject your application if the name causes confusion.
🚫 What Happens if the Name Is Already Taken?
If your proposed business name is already registered:
Try adding a unique identifier, like a geographic location or product descriptor
Avoid using generic terms that are likely to be taken
You may propose alternative names during the DTI registration process
💡 Example: If “Sunrise Café” is taken, you can try “Sunrise Café Cavite” or “Sunrise Brew & Eatery.”
⚠️ Legal Naming Rules You Should Know
DTI imposes specific rules on business names. Your proposed name must:
❌ Not be identical or confusingly similar to existing registrations
❌ Not contain illegal, deceptive, or obscene words
❌ Not use government-related terms like “Republic,” “NBI,” or “Malacañang”
✅ Include a descriptor that reflects the nature of your business
📌 Pro Lawyer Tip: Register a business name that is distinct, brandable, and legally defensible. Avoid copying famous brands or popular trademarks—you could face intellectual property claims.
✅ What to Do After Finding an Available Name
Once your business name is confirmed available:
Proceed with DTI registration via the BNRS
Pay the corresponding fees based on your selected business scope
Download and secure your Certificate of Business Name Registration
🧾 Bonus: What If You’re Planning to Form a Corporation?
The DTI is only for sole proprietorships. If you’re forming a partnership or corporation, name reservation must be done with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) through their Company Registration System (CRS).
💼 Final Thoughts from a Legal Perspective
Your business name is more than a creative choice—it’s a legal identity that sets the foundation for your brand protection, taxation, and operational legitimacy.
By using DTI’s online name search tool, you protect yourself from:
Rejected applications
Trademark disputes
Wasted marketing investments
Future rebranding costs
💬 Before you go live, go legal. Check your business name the right way—online, through the DTI.
Navigating the business landscape in the Philippines can be both rewarding and intricate. Whether you’re embarking on a new venture or scaling up, ensuring that your corporate endeavors are in line with local regulations is paramount.
At CBOS Business Solutions Inc., we pride ourselves on simplifying these processes for our clients. As a seasoned professional services company, we offer comprehensive assistance with SEC Registration, Visa processing, and a myriad of other essential business requirements. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring that your business is compliant, well-established, and ready to thrive in the Philippine market.
Why venture into the complexities of business registration and compliance alone? Allow our team to guide you every step of the way. After all, your success is our commitment.
Get in touch today and let us be your partner in achieving your business goals in the Philippines.
Email Address: gerald.bernardo@cbos.com.ph
Mobile No.: +639270032851
You can also click this link to schedule a meeting.
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