Prohibited Words for Opening a Business in Texas

In Texas, naming a business can be a tricky process, as there are strict regulations on what words can and cannot be used. The Texas Secretary of State’s Office oversees the approval of business names, and potential business owners can search for name filings on their website for a fee.

Some of the restricted words that cannot be used in a business name in Texas include terms that imply educational or financial institution affiliations, words related to war veterans, and terms associated with the United States Olympic Committee. Additionally, words that suggest government affiliation or engineering services must be used carefully.

However, there are some exceptions to these rules. Symbols that can be typed on a standard English keyboard and words in a different language are generally allowed. The key consideration is whether the names would cause confusion with existing businesses in the same industry or location.

For more information on starting a business in Texas, entrepreneurs can visit the Texas Economic Development and Tourism section on the Office of the Texas Governor’s website or the Texas Secretary of State’s website for new and existing businesses. Naming a business may be challenging, but following these guidelines can help ensure compliance with Texas regulations.