NUANS Search & Record Search Report
NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) is a computerized search system used in Canada to help individuals and businesses conduct name searches for their proposed corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. The NUANS system is owned and operated by the Canadian federal government’s Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED).
NUANS ensures that proposed business names are not already in use and do not infringe on other businesses’ trademark or intellectual property rights. The NUANS report contains information on similar or identical names already registered, reserved, or pending registration. It also provides information on relevant trademark registrations, business names, and domain names that may be similar to the proposed name.
Nuans Report
Applies to: Ontario, Alberta, Federal, New Brunswick (NB), and Prince Edward Island (PEI)
When Do You Need a NUANS Report or Name Pre-Approval?
You’ll need a NUANS Report or Name Pre-Approval when you’re:
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Incorporating a business or non-profit organization
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Registering a sole proprietorship or partnership
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Registering a trade name, operating name, or “Doing Business As” (DBA)
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Registering or renewing a Master Business License
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Registering an extra-provincial corporation
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Changing the legal name of an existing corporation
These steps help ensure your proposed business name is unique, available, and compliant with federal or provincial regulations.
Name Pre Approval
Applies to: (BC), (SK), (MB), (QC), Nova (NS), (NL), (YT), and (NWT)
Why is Name Pre-Approval Required?
Name pre-approval is an essential step before registering your business. It confirms that your proposed name is available and meets the naming guidelines of your province or territory.
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Incorporating a business or non-profit organization
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Registering a sole proprietorship or partnership
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Registering a trade name, DBA (Doing Business As), or operating name
- Ensuring your business name is unique and distinguishable from existing businesses
- Verifying compliance with trademark regulations
Getting your name pre-approved helps avoid delays and ensures a smoother registration process.
NUANS Pre-Search
Applies to: Federal and all Canadian provinces
Purpose of a NUANS Preliminary Search:
- To search for available business names
- To confirm if a company name is already in use across Canada
- To see whether a specific business name has been taken
- To verify the authenticity of a corporation’s name
- To check if someone else is using your desired business name
- To ensure the name does not have an exact match or conflict
- To avoid potential trademark infringement issues
- To streamline the business registration process by identifying potential conflicts early
- To ensure the name meets legal and regulatory naming requirements across jurisdictions
NUANS Report in Canada:
A NUANS report is a document used in Canada to check if a proposed business name is already in use or too similar to existing names. It helps ensure the uniqueness of business names and protects against name conflicts. This report is typically required when registering a new corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship.
Authorized private companies, approved by the Canadian government, generate NUANS reports. Once issued, the report is valid for 90 days and can be used during that time to officially register the business name.
Name Pre-Search:
Before ordering a formal NUANS report, many businesses conduct a Name Pre-Search. This early step helps identify any existing names that might conflict with the proposed name. It’s a useful way to save time and money by spotting issues before moving forward with a full NUANS report.
A Name Pre-Search scans a database of registered names. If any conflicts appear, you can adjust your proposed name accordingly, increasing the chances of approval when the formal NUANS report is submitted.
NUANS Reservation (via Incorporation Registry):
The NUANS reservation process involves holding a proposed business name for 90 days, giving you time to complete your business registration. This step is essential before incorporating or registering a business under a specific name.
Ordering a NUANS report is usually required to make a reservation. The reservation confirms that your proposed name is available and temporarily secured for your use.
Why NUANS Matters:
Both the NUANS report and name reservation process are critical parts of registering a business in Canada. They help ensure compliance with federal and provincial regulations, prevent legal conflicts, and protect your brand identity by ensuring your business operates under a distinct, legally valid name.