Where is a company name reserved for an LLC or partnership?

A company name is reserved for an LLC or partnership at the Secretary of State's office. This process involves submitting a name reservation application, where the chosen name will be checked for availability and compliance with state regulations. By reserving a name with the Secretary of State, businesses can ensure that their desired name is not already in use or too similar to another registered entity, which helps in maintaining brand identity and avoiding potential legal disputes over name usage.

The reservation typically offers a period during which the name is protected from being claimed by others, allowing the business to proceed with formation and registration without the concern of losing the chosen name to another entity. This is a crucial step in establishing and formalizing a business within the state, as the Secretary of State serves as the authoritative body for business registrations and name protections.

Local business offices, city councils, and county clerk offices may deal with other aspects of business operations, such as zoning permits or local business licenses, but the official reservation of a business name specifically falls under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of State.