To find out if a business name is taken in Texas, search the Texas Secretary of State's online database, which is the official registry for business entities. Visit the Secretary of State website and use their "Business Entity Search" tool to look up your desired name. This database contains all active and inactive corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other registered entities. Search by business name, registered agent, or entity number. The database is free and updated regularly.
Additionally, check these resources: (1) The Texas Trademark database through the Secretary of State's office for trademarked names, (2) The federal USPTO trademark database at uspto.gov for national trademark registrations, and (3) The Texas Business Name Database for assumed names and DBAs (Doing Business As). Some cities and counties also maintain local business registries, so contact your local county clerk or city business licensing office if you're operating locally.
Before finalizing a name, also conduct a general internet search and check social media platforms to see if the name is actively used by other businesses. While this won't provide legal protection information, it helps gauge market presence. Keep in mind that availability at the state level doesn't guarantee you won't face trademark disputes, so consider consulting a lawyer if you're concerned about conflicts with existing businesses using similar names in your industry.