Many states allow applicants to reserve an available business name before formation. Whether reservation is available, how it is filed, and the applicable fee depend on the state.

Swyft Filings provides business-name resources and performs name checks as part of its filing process. A state name check focuses on whether a proposed entity name can be accepted under that state's naming rules; it does not determine whether the name is clear from every trademark, branding, domain-name, or marketplace conflict.

Because naming rules are administered by individual states, terms such as distinguishable, reserved, restricted, or prohibited can have different meanings depending on the jurisdiction. A name that is accepted by one state may still be unavailable or problematic in another state or for a separate trademark reason.