One of the first things starting entrepreneurs think about is the name of their business. It is, after all, essential in order for them to register their business with the Chamber of Commerce. Many starters, though, are unfamiliar with the legal aspects surrounding the choice of their name. BOIP and the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK) have therefore jointly developed the Name checker tool, which is aimed at making starters in the Netherlands aware that they must check whether their name is available before registering it with the Chamber of Commerce. The tool is also intended to raise awareness of the difference between a trade name and a trademark.
Many entrepreneurs wrongly assume that registering their name in the Business Register gives it full protection. The Name checker not only makes it possible with just a single search request to search in the Business Register of the Chamber of Commerce and in the BOIP Trademarks Register; it also gives tips on how to protect company names. In short, the Name checker makes the process of searching and choosing a business name simpler and clearer for starting entrepreneurs in the Netherlands.
About the Name checker
The Name checker is a joint initiative of BOIP and the Chamber of Commerce and is supported by the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.
BOIP intends to develop a similar tool with the partners in Belgium. The options for this will be further explored in the coming period.
Take a look at the Name checker at BOIP
You can find the Name checker at the Chamber of Commerce via this link: www.kvk.nl/naamchecker