Bane

If I want to see whether or not a business has a name copyrighted already that I'm thinking of using, where do I do that? I've come up with some good ideas for names, but I want to make sure that they're not copyrighted.

Avix

I believe you trademark a name, not copyright it.

If it is available to register as a company, and available as a domain chances are you can use it. Also search Google.

What you need to be more careful of is if it is too similar to an existing name.

Tim

Depends what country you are in. I know here in Australia there is a service where you can search a database of all registered business names and trademarks.

Super Mod

I believe you can search for this through your state's website if you're in the United States. However, I've never done so, so I don't know for sure. I'd be interested to hear from anyone that has.

ed

You can search copyrights in the US at the Copyright.gov site.

What you are looking for likely more along the lines of a trademark, which can be searched (in the US) at the USPTO site.

However, you will likely also want to check to see if anything has been incorporated already in your state. For example, you can search Texas via the Comptroller's web site. (For an example, search Reliant Energy Inc or AceMiles)