What it lists
Existing corporate names, business names and trademarks that are identical or similar to the name you propose.
Business Name Search Help
NUANS Name Search for Ontario and Federal Corporations
A NUANS name search lists the existing corporate names, business names and trademarks that match or sound like the one you want. We order it, read it with you and tell you what it means for your incorporation, name change or business name, so a clash does not surface after you have printed the cards.
- Ontario-biased and Canada-wide NUANS reports
- Every similar name and trademark explained in plain words
- Free first call, with no obligation
Which name search do you need?
Tap your situation. Nothing you pick is saved.
Tap one to see what applies and where to read more.
What is a NUANS name search?
NUANS is the Canada-wide database that name searches are run against. A report is a list, not a decision.
What it does not do
It does not approve your name. The registry reviews a name when you file, and a report only shows what could clash.
How long it lasts
A report is valid for 90 days, so the filing has to follow soon after you get it.
When do you need a NUANS report?
It depends on what you are filing and where. Here are the published rules in one place.
| What you are doing | Is a NUANS report needed? |
|---|---|
| Incorporating in Ontario with a name | Yes. An Ontario-biased report, dated not more than 90 days before the articles are submitted. A Canada-wide report is not accepted. |
| Incorporating a numbered company in Ontario | No. A numbered company does not need a name search. |
| Changing an Ontario corporation’s name | Yes, the new name is supported by an Ontario-biased report in the same way. |
| Incorporating federally, or preapproving a federal name | Not separately. The search is built into Corporations Canada’s online filing, and a report bought elsewhere is not accepted. |
| Federal revival, amalgamation or a cooperative filing | Yes, a separate Nuans report, valid for 90 days. |
| Registering a business name as a sole proprietor or partnership | Not a NUANS filing, but a name search first is commonly recommended. |
Rules for French forms of a name, and for non-profits, differ. Ask us and we will confirm what applies to your filing.
How does our NUANS name search work?
Four steps, and you only need to give us the names.
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1
You give us your names
Tell us up to a few names you like, and whether you are incorporating in Ontario or federally.
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2
We run the search
We order the right report for your filing, Ontario-biased or Canada-wide.
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3
We read it with you
We go through every similar name and trademark and tell you which ones matter.
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4
We file while it is valid
With a name that clears, we prepare the filing inside the 90-day window.
What should you look for in a NUANS report?
A long list is normal. These are the entries that count.
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An identical name
The same name already registered is a clear problem, and you will need a different one.
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A very similar name
A name that looks or sounds almost the same can be refused or cause confusion, even if it is not identical.
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A trademark
A registered trademark that matches or resembles your name can cause trouble even when no corporation holds the name.
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The same field of work
A similar name in a different line of business matters less than one doing what you do.
We tell you which entries matter. The registry has the final say when you file.
What’s included in our NUANS name search
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The right report ordered
Ontario-biased or Canada-wide, for the filing you are doing.
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Results reviewed
Conflicting and similar names and trademarks explained.
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Alternatives searched
Other names tried if your first choice is crowded.
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The 90 days tracked
We note the date so the filing follows in time.
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The filing prepared
Incorporation, a name change or a registration, using your report.
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Plain answers
Questions about names and filings answered by a person.
What stays with the registry
The registry decides whether a name is accepted, and a report cannot promise it. We promise the right search, a clear reading of it and an accurate filing made in time.
How much does a NUANS name search cost?
The cost depends on what you need searched, and we quote each case, so you will know what we charge before we start. Here is what shapes the quote.
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Ontario or federalWhich report, and which filing.
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Names to searchOne choice, or several.
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A second roundIf the first names are taken.
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The filing itselfSearch only, or the full incorporation.
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A French formNeeded, or not.
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TimingPlenty of time, or a date close.
- Free, no-obligation consultation
- Clear quote agreed before we start
- No hidden fees or surprise billing
Prefer to talk it through first? Call us, or send a quote request.
Call (437) 421-7171 Request a QuoteNUANS name search across Canada
Get directionsA name search is done online, so you can work with us by phone, video and secure upload. You are always welcome at one of our four offices.
Outside Ontario or Alberta? We can still help.
Ask about your name
We search names and file for corporations anywhere in Canada. Other provinces have their own naming rules, so ask us about yours.
What our clients say
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NUANS name search FAQs: Ontario, federal and how long it lasts
Straight answers to what people ask us before they choose a name.
A search of Canada’s name database that produces a report of existing corporate names, business names and trademarks that are identical or similar to the name you propose. It shows what could clash. It is not an approval of the name.
If the company has a name, yes: an Ontario-biased report is needed, and a Canada-wide report is not accepted. A numbered company does not need one.
For 90 days. In Ontario the report may not be dated more than 90 days before the articles are submitted, so the filing has to follow soon after it is issued.
Not any more. Corporations Canada has built the name search into its Online Filing Centre for incorporation and name preapproval, and it does not accept a separately bought report for those filings. A separate report is still needed for a federal revival or amalgamation.
The Ontario-biased report is weighted to names in Ontario and is the one Ontario requires for a corporation’s name. The Canada-wide report is the one used for federal filings that still need a separate report.
You order it from a Nuans member, and the report’s date, reference number and the name searched go on your filing. We order the Ontario-biased report for you, read it with you and file inside the 90-day window. The corporation keeps a copy at its registered office.
No. The report only lists similar names. The registry reviews the name when you file and decides whether to accept it.
You choose a different name, or one that is clearly distinct. We can search several alternatives so you are not starting over each time.
Yes. A numbered company needs no name search and gets a number instead. You can still trade under a registered business name, and a search of that name first is a good idea.
A business name is registered differently from a corporate name, so it is not a NUANS filing. A name search first is commonly recommended, to see whether a similar name or trademark is already in use.
No. A report is for the name that was searched, and it expires after 90 days. A new name needs its own search.
Yes. We order the report, read it with you, and prepare the incorporation inside the 90-day window.
We quote each case after a free consultation, because it depends on the filing and how many names you want searched. You will know the cost before we start.
Official sources we check
We confirm naming rules on the registries’ own pages. You can read them too:
- Naming a corporation (Corporations Canada)ised-isde.canada.ca (opens the official site in a new tab)
- Changes to the corporate name proposal processised-isde.canada.ca (opens the official site in a new tab)
- Ontario Business Registry: all services and termsontario.ca (opens the official site in a new tab)
- Incorporating a business corporation (Ontario)ontario.ca (opens the official site in a new tab)
Checked against these pages in October 2026. Naming rules change, so we confirm the current position for your filing before we start. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Related services
View other servicesOntario Incorporation
Incorporate in Ontario or federally, with the name sorted first.
Learn moreRegister/Renew a Business
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Learn moreBusiness Name Change
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Learn moreOntario Company Key
The key you need for your corporation’s filings.
Learn moreAnnual Return Filing
Keep your corporation in good standing every year.
Learn moreBusiness Planning & Growth Strategy
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Read the guideFound a name you like? Let’s check it before you file
Book a free consultation. Tell us the names you are considering and whether you are incorporating in Ontario or federally, and we will tell you what to search, with no obligation.
