NUANS Name Search
What a NUANS name search is, when you actually need a NUANS report to incorporate, and how to choose a business name that clears the first time.
A NUANS name search compares a proposed business name against existing corporate names, registered business names and trademarks across Canada. You need a NUANS report — dated within 90 days — to incorporate a named corporation, either in Ontario (through the Ontario Business Registry) or federally. A numbered corporation does not need one. A free registry search is a useful first check, but it is not a substitute for the NUANS report filed with your incorporation.
When do you need a NUANS report?
Named Ontario corporation
A word name incorporated through the Ontario Business Registry needs a NUANS report dated within 90 days.
Named federal corporation
Federal incorporation with a word name also requires a NUANS report; a federal name is protected across Canada.
Numbered corporation
No NUANS needed — the government assigns a number (e.g. 1234567 Ontario Inc.). You can add a trade name later.
Business name registration
A sole proprietorship or partnership registers an operating name — no NUANS report, though a name search is still wise.
The three parts of a name that clears
Distinctive element
A coined or unique word that sets you apart — not a generic industry term. This is the part that makes a name approvable.
Descriptive element
What the business actually does (e.g. “Landscaping”, “Consulting”, “Bakery”). Helps customers and the examiner place you.
Legal element
A required ending for a corporation: Inc., Ltd., Corp., Incorporated, Limited or Corporation.
Example: “Maple” (distinctive) + “Landscaping” (descriptive) + “Inc.” (legal) → “Maple Landscaping Inc.” A purely generic name like “Toronto Landscaping Inc.” is much more likely to be refused.
How to search a name before you file
- 1
Shortlist a few distinctive names
Aim for a distinctive + descriptive + legal-element structure. Have two or three options ready in case your first choice is taken.
- 2
Run a free preliminary search
Check the Ontario Business Registry (and a quick web/trademark search) to weed out obvious conflicts before you pay for anything.
- 3
Order the NUANS report
Once you have a clear front-runner, obtain the NUANS report. It is the formal comparison filed with your incorporation — we run this for you.
- 4
Incorporate within 90 days
A NUANS report is valid for 90 days. File your incorporation inside that window, or you will need a fresh report.
The Ontario New Business Checklist
Every registration, account, and setup step to launch your Ontario business properly — in the right order, with nothing missed.
What's inside
- Choosing your business structure
- Registering your name (OBR, NUANS)
- Setting up CRA & HST accounts
- Address, licences & insurance
- Your first 90 days
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The Ontario New Business Checklist
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We run the NUANS and file the incorporation
Once you have a name you like, we handle the rest — the NUANS name search and the incorporation filing are both included in our all-in $499 Ontario incorporation (or $99 all-in to register a business name). You approve the name; we do the paperwork.
NUANS name search — common questions
- What is a NUANS name search?
- NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) is a national name-comparison system. A NUANS report lists existing corporate names, registered business names and trademarks that are similar to the name you want, so you — and the examiner — can judge whether your proposed name is distinctive enough to be approved. It is a pre-incorporation report, not a search of one specific company.
- Do I need a NUANS report to incorporate in Ontario?
- Yes, if you are incorporating a named corporation. Both Ontario incorporation (through the Ontario Business Registry) and federal incorporation require a NUANS report to support a word name, dated within 90 days of your application. If you incorporate a numbered company instead, no NUANS report is required — the government assigns the number.
- Is a NUANS search the same as a free business name search?
- No. A free search on the Ontario Business Registry is a quick preliminary check that shows whether an identical name is already on the register — useful, but not accepted as proof. A NUANS report is the formal comparative report filed with your incorporation, covering similar names and trademarks across Canada. Run the free search first to weed out obvious conflicts, then order the NUANS once you have a shortlist.
- How long is a NUANS report valid?
- A NUANS report is valid for 90 days from the date it is generated. You must incorporate — or reserve the name where that option exists — within that window, otherwise you need a fresh report.
- What makes a corporate name likely to be approved?
- A strong Ontario or federal corporate name usually has three parts: a distinctive element (a coined or unique word, not a generic term), a descriptive element (what the business does), and a legal element (Inc., Ltd., Corp., Incorporated, Limited or Corporation). Names that are only descriptive or generic (for example “Toronto Plumbing Inc.”), or that are confusingly similar to an existing name or trademark, are the ones that get rejected.
- Does a NUANS report guarantee my name is approved or protected?
- No. A NUANS report is evidence you did the name comparison, but the registry (or Corporations Canada) still makes the final decision, and clearing NUANS does not grant trademark rights. If your name is important to your brand, a separate trademark search and registration is the way to protect it. Our all-in incorporation includes the NUANS name search and the filing; ask us if you also want trademark help.
General information, not legal advice. NUANS requirements and the registry’s naming rules are set by the federal NUANS program, Corporations Canada and the Ontario Business Registry — confirm current requirements with them or with us before you file.
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