A ZenBusiness name-search alternative — every state, no formation upsell
ZenBusiness's name search is a legitimate state-registry check, and if you're planning to form your company through them, it flows neatly into their filing service.
It's built as the top of their formation funnel: one state at a time, and the next step is always their paid filing package. It also doesn't bundle federal trademark and domain checks into the same look.
The missing half is the whole point here. Describe your business (or type a specific name) and every candidate is verified against your state's business registry, federal USPTO trademark filings, and domain availability — in one pass, free.
Generate & verify names →Side by side
| ZenBusiness Name Search | Official Name Search | |
|---|---|---|
| Name ideas / generation | Yes | Yes (AI, from your business description) |
| State business registry check | One state, ties into their filing service | Yes — all 50 states + DC, real time |
| Federal (USPTO) trademark check | No | Yes, same pass |
| Domain availability | No | Yes (.com/.net + alternatives) |
| Inactive/dissolved lookalikes flagged | No | Yes (reinstatement-risk note) |
| Price | Free | Free |
When to use which
Honestly: use both if you like. ZenBusiness Name Search is a fine place to gather raw ideas. Bring the shortlist here before you commit — because the expensive mistake isn't a bland name, it's filing paperwork (or printing packaging) for a name that was never available in the first place.