I was searching my state's business registry and found an LLC with the exact name I want. It was dissolved around 2017. Is that name available for me to use now, or does it stay reserved or something? I'm in Ohio if that matters.
LLC Names
I found an LLC with my preferred name that was dissolved years ago
If it's been dissolved that long, it's probably available. But check your state's rules. Some places have a waiting period after dissolution before the name can be reused, usually a year or two.
I wouldn't assume anything. Call the Secretary of State. I wasted a week once because a name that looked available online was actually still in some pending status.
Ohio? That's the state that lets you reserve a name for like 180 days with a form. Did you try just filing the articles and seeing what happens? Worst case they reject it and you're out the filing fee. Best case you're done ngl.
I'd be more worried about whether someone else is still using the name in commerce. Even if the LLC is dissolved, if they never formally abandoned the trdemark or there's a similar business out there, you could get a cease and desist later. Search Google, check social media handles.
This is probably overthinking it but a dissolved LLC still has to wind up its affairs. If it was dissolved in 2017 they're way past that. Name should be free.
And yet people file late annual reports all the time. A reinstatement could theoretically resurrect the name. Unlikely but not impossible.
Seven years is a long time though. Do you know if the name is worth taking or are you just attached because you found it?
Also check if the old LLC had any liens or judgments. You don't want to inherit a mess if the name is associated with a business that screwed people over. Quick search in county court records.
Honestly the name might be fine legally but if it was used by a business that had a bad rep locally, you might spend years explaining you're not them.
I didn't think about the court records angle. I'll run the name through the county clerk site. Reinstatement seems unlikely but I'll check the reggistry again for any recent activity.
Just remember the registry only tells you about the entity, not not DBA names or assumed names. Those can linger on the books longer sometimes.
Also if this is for a retail or restaurant thing, check the health department permits under that name. Sometimes those don't get closed out properly and cause headaches when you try to get a new one.
Sounds like a lot of work for a name. But if you love it, worth the hour or two of checking. Report back if you find the court records are clean.