How to Look up an LLC in Pennsylvania? (The Complete Guide)

If you intend to start a company in Pennsylvania or simply seek a specific limited liability company, product, or service, you can conduct a business name search.

With years of practice as a business consultant for LLCs in different states, I have catered to multiple clients regarding their concerns about limited liability companies.

I collaborated with our team of legal advisors to provide a comprehensive guide on how to conduct a Pennsylvania LLC name search and offer some tips to make the process easier.

Quick Summary

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How Do I Look up an LLC in Pennsylvania?

You can look up an LLC in Pennsylvania using the corporation search feature on the Pennsylvania Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations website under the Pennsylvania Department of State website.

To perform the search:

1. Use the Pennsylvania Bureau of Corporations & Charitable Organizations

The Pennsylvania Bureau of Corporations & Charitable Organizations website provides a user-friendly platform for conducting business entity searches, including LLCs.

Here are the methods available:

a. Search by Name

To verify the uniqueness of your proposed business name or to research existing businesses, follow these steps:

• Visit Pennsylvania Business Entity Search.
• Enter the name of the LLC in the provided search field.
• Review the search results for business type, status, and registration details.

b. Search by File Number

For more specific information about an LLC, such as filing history and current standing, use the file number:

• Go to Pennsylvania Business Entity Search.
• Select the option to search by file number.
• Enter the file number and view the detailed information about the LLC.

c. Search by UCC

The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) search is useful for finding liens and financial statements related to a business [1].

According to the Uniform Law Commission, the UCC has been enacted in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands, highlighting its widespread acceptance and the critical role it plays in regulating commercial transactions across the United States.

Here's how to use it:

• Access the UCC Search Page.
• Input the relevant UCC information or business details.
• Analyze the results for any UCC filings associated with the business.

Each search method provides valuable insights into LLCs registered in Pennsylvania, catering to different research needs and objectives.

2. Call the State

Direct communication with the Pennsylvania Department of State is a reliable option for personalized assistance and to address complex queries related to LLC searches in Pennsylvania.

Contact the office at (717) 787-1057. The telephone lines are open from 8:00 am to 4:45 pm.

3. Send an Email

For detailed inquiries, documentation requests, or if you prefer a written record of your communication, emailing the Department of State is an effective approach.

You can do this via [email protected]. You can also submit a written request to their mailing address for more formal inquiries.

Here's how you can proceed:

• Send a letter to the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations at the following address: Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations, PO Box 8722, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722.
• Ensure to include the name and address of the entity you wish to search.

4. Other Business Entity Search Alternatives

While the official methods provided by the Pennsylvania Department of State are the most reliable for LLC searches, there are also several unofficial methods that can offer valuable insights into Pennsylvania businesses:

a. Social Media Platforms

Provide real-time insights into customer feedback, marketing strategies, and public perception.

b. Search Engines

This method is beneficial for gathering a general overview of the company's public presence and activities.

c. Industry-Specific Databases

They can be a rich source of industry-specific data, trends, and competitive analysis.

d. Local Business Directories

Useful for gaining regional insights and networking opportunities, local business directories can provide information on smaller, locally operated LLCs that might not have a significant online presence.

e. Professional Networking Sites

They can be particularly useful for understanding the professional background of key executives and the company's employment history.

Business Name Requirements

When selecting a business name in Pennsylvania, it’s crucial to adhere to specific naming requirements based on the type of business entity.

For sole proprietorships and partnerships, there is no need to file with the corporation division to start operations.

However, for a limited liability company (LLC), the name must be distinguishable from existing business entities in the state and must include the words “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”

Similarly, corporations must have a name that is unique and includes the words “Corporation” or the abbreviation “Corp.”

Ensuring your business name meets these requirements is essential for successful registration with the Pennsylvania Secretary of State.

How to Check If A Business Name Is Trademarked in Pennsylvania?

When establishing a new LLC or rebranding an existing one in Pennsylvania, it's crucial to ensure that your chosen business name doesn't infringe on existing trademarks.

This avoids legal complications and ensures your brand's unique identity.

Conducting a thorough search in state and federal trademark databases is recommended for comprehensive due diligence.

1. Check Trademarks with the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO)

Here is how you can perform the search: 

• Visit the USPTO Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS).
• Before searching, consider the various elements of your business name that might be trademarked, including logos, slogans, and unique spellings.
• If you're new to this, start with a basic word mark search.
• Enter your proposed business name and review the results for any exact or similar matches.
• For a more thorough search, use the advanced search options. This allows you to search for similar-sounding names, variations in spelling, and related goods or services categories.
• Carefully examine the list of existing trademarks. Pay attention to the 'live' or 'dead' status of trademarks, as 'live' marks are currently in use.

2. Searching through the Pennsylvania Department of State

For the state search, follow the steps below to ensure your business name does not conflict with an existing Pennsylvania corporation:

• Go to the Pennsylvania Department of State Trademark Search.
• Input your proposed business name in the search field. You may also search by trademark owner or registration number if known.
• Look for any trademarks that are the same or similar to your intended business name.
• Pay attention to the nature of the goods or services associated with the trademark, as this can be a factor in determining infringement.
• If you find a potentially conflicting trademark, you can view more details, such as the registration date, status, and the goods or services it covers.

Interpreting Search Results

Interpreting the results of a Pennsylvania business entity search is key to gaining valuable insights. The search results will display critical information such as the official business name, entity type, status, and date of filing.

Detailed filing histories provide transparency into the business’s compliance and operational timelines.

By comparing names and statuses of competing businesses, you can identify potential trademark issues and assess the competitive landscape.

This information is crucial for validating the legitimacy of potential business partners and making informed decisions about your business strategy.

Reasons to Look up an LLC in Pennsylvania

The primary reason to look up an LLC in Pennsylvania is to confirm the availability of your preferred business name.

Other reasons include:

• Avoid Infringement: Performing a name search can help avoid potential legal issues related to trademark infringement or name disputes by ensuring that the proposed LLC name does not too closely resemble that of an existing business.
• Brand Identity and Marketing: A unique and distinguishable LLC name helps in building a strong brand identity.
• Facilitate Business Registration: The Pennsylvania Department of State will not approve the registration of an LLC if its name is not unique.
• Domain Availability: Checking the availability of an LLC name can also guide in securing a matching or relevant domain name for the business's online presence, which is crucial in today's digital marketplace.

Name search also allows you to make sure that your chosen LLC name is not confusingly similar to an existing business registered in the state or is part of a list of restricted names.

Examples of names that will be categorized as confusingly similar are:

• The use of a different corporate designator
• The use of the plural
• The use of an article, such as “a” or “the”
• The use of a geographic designator after the company name
• The use of a numerical or spelled number after the company name

Examples of names that will be categorized as restricted similar are:

• Governmental names
• Banking names
• Insurance names
• Educational names
• Professional names
• Public utility names

You can also look for an LLC in Pennsylvania to collaborate and do business with a company. You can verify if the business is legally registered, active, and in good standing with the state.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of State, over 120,000 new businesses were registered in 2020 alone, demonstrating the state's vibrant entrepreneurial environment and the importance of due diligence in selecting business partners.

Finally, you can conduct a Pennsylvania LLC name search simply to look for a particular service or product.

"Ensure your LLC is officially approved before applying for an EIN or investing in marketing materials. This approach prevents unnecessary spending on business assets that may become unusable if your chosen business name is not available."

- Jon Morgan, CEO, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter

Related Articles:

• Dissolve an LLC in Pennsylvania
• Pennsylvania Top LLC Formation Services
• How Much Is the Cost of an LLC in Pennsylvania
• Best Registered Agent Services in Pennsylvania

Tips for a Successful Business Entity Search

Conducting a thorough business entity search requires careful attention to detail and strategic planning.

Here are some tips to enhance the effectiveness of your search process:

• Double-check Information for Accuracy: Ensure the business name entered is correct and confirm the entity type selected.
• Cross-reference Results from Multiple Sources: Review details such as status and filing date across different platforms to ensure consistency.
• Stay Updated on Current Registrations: Regularly check for updates on business registrations to keep your information current.
• Consult with Experts: Consider seeking advice from legal or business experts familiar with Pennsylvania regulations. They can help interpret complex filing histories and assess potential trademark issues.

By following these tips, you can conduct a successful business entity search, ensuring you make well-informed decisions about your business.

FAQs

References:

1. https://www.uniformlaws.org/acts/ucc