Founder Guides
What's In a Name? A Step-by-Step Guide to Naming Your Startup
May 12, 2026
7 min read
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Insights, updates, and tips for protecting your brand

Choosing a name for your startup is one of the first, most foundational decisions you'll make. This step-by-step playbook guides you from initial brainstorming and naming strategies to running the 'Availability Gauntlet' and navigating the crucial final step: the trademark check.

As a founder, you hear 'IP' thrown around a lot. But what's the real difference between a trademark, copyright, and patent? This guide breaks down each type of intellectual property, explaining what it protects, why it matters, and which one you should prioritize for your business.

You've found the perfect name for your startup, but is it legally available? Before you invest in branding, learn how to perform a preliminary trademark search yourself using the official UK and EU databases. This guide walks you through the steps and helps you avoid costly mistakes.