Nuans Report & Name Approval

Secure the Right Business Name

Search, clear, and approve your company name the right way — NUANS reports for federal and provincial incorporation, plus Quebec name approval that meets REQ and French-language rules.

NUANS reports Canada-wide

Quebec (REQ) name approval

Fast, same-day options

Name Search & Approval Services

Clear Your Name Before You Incorporate

Whether you're incorporating federally, provincially, or in Quebec, we make sure your business name is available, compliant, and ready to register.

Name search & approval

Federal, provincial & Quebec

01

Quebec Name Approval

Get a compliant Quebec business name approved — checked against the REQ register and the requirements of the Charter of the French Language before you incorporate.

REQ name distinctiveness check

French-language compliance review

Conflict & confusion assessment

Ready for REQ registration

Quebec (REQ) name clearance

Check my name →

02

NUANS Report

Order the official NUANS report required for federal and most provincial incorporations — a Canada-wide search of corporate names and trademarks, valid for 90 days.

Official NUANS report ordered

Canada-wide name & trademark search

Required for federal incorporation

Valid 90 days from search

Delivered fast, ready to file

Order NUANS report →

03

NUANS Pre-Search

Test your proposed name with a preliminary NUANS search before ordering the official report — so you spot conflicts early and avoid a rejected name.

Preliminary availability search

Early conflict detection

Compare multiple name options

Avoid costly rejections

Smart first step before filing

Run a pre-search →

Why Business Quebec

Name Clearance Done Right the First Time

A rejected name delays your incorporation. We search thoroughly and check compliance so your name clears without surprises.

Thorough Searches

We check corporate registers and trademarks across Canada — not just a quick lookup.

Compliance Built In

Quebec names are reviewed against REQ rules and French-language requirements.

Fast Turnaround

Official NUANS reports and pre-searches delivered quickly, often the same day.

Expert Guidance

We help you interpret results and choose a name that will actually get approved.

25k+

Names searched & cleared

Same day

NUANS report options

90 days

NUANS report validity

4.9/5

Average client rating

How It Works

Approve Your Name in Four Steps

From your first idea to a filing-ready name, we keep it simple.

01

Share Your Name Ideas

Send us one or more proposed names and where you plan to incorporate.

02

We Run the Search

We perform a NUANS pre-search or REQ check to test availability.

03

Review the Results

We flag conflicts and confirm which name is safe to use.

04

Get Your Report or Approval

We deliver the official NUANS report or Quebec name approval, ready to file.

Expertise & Trust

Name Search Specialists You Can Rely On

We handle NUANS reports and Quebec name approvals every day — so you get accurate results and a name that clears the registry.

Federal & Provincial

NUANS reports accepted for federal and common-law province incorporations.

Quebec Expertise

We understand REQ distinctiveness and French-language name rules.

Trademark Awareness

We highlight trademark conflicts that could put your name at risk.

Clear, Fast Results

Reports and approvals delivered quickly, with guidance you can act on.

Name Approval Guide

Understanding Business Name Search & Approval

Choosing a name is exciting — but before you incorporate, that name has to be available and compliant. Here's how NUANS reports and Quebec name approval work, and which one you need.

What is a NUANS report?

NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) is a Canada-wide search that compares your proposed corporate name against existing business names and trademarks. It's required for federal incorporation and named incorporations in most provinces, and the report stays valid for 90 days.

How does name approval work in Quebec?

Quebec doesn't use NUANS for provincial incorporation. Instead, your name is checked against the Registraire des entreprises (REQ) register for distinctiveness and must comply with the Charter of the French Language. We make sure your name meets both before you file.

Which name search do you need?

Search Type

Best For

Notes

NUANS Pre-Search

Testing name ideas

Spot conflicts early

Official NUANS Report

Federal & provincial

Valid 90 days

Quebec Name Approval

Quebec incorporation

REQ + French rules

Numbered Company

No name needed

No search required

Trademark Check

Brand protection

Recommended add-on

What if my name is rejected?

A name can be refused if it's too similar to an existing business, causes confusion, or doesn't meet linguistic or distinctiveness rules. If that happens, we help you adjust the name or choose an alternative and re-run the search — so you don't lose time.

Not planning to use a name? A numbered company skips the search entirely and can be named later with an amendment. We can help you decide which route fits your goals.

Not sure which search you need?

Tell us your name ideas and where you're incorporating — we'll tell you exactly which search or approval is required.

Ask a Specialist →

FAQ

Name Search Questions, Answered

What is a NUANS report?

It's a Canada-wide search that compares your proposed corporate name against existing names and trademarks. It's required for federal incorporation and named incorporations in most provinces, and stays valid for 90 days.

Do I need a NUANS report in Quebec?

No. Quebec provincial incorporation doesn't use NUANS. Your name is checked against the REQ register and must meet French-language requirements. You would need a NUANS report if you incorporate federally.

What is a NUANS pre-search?

A pre-search is a preliminary check of your proposed name before you order the official report. It helps you catch conflicts early and compare options, so you don't pay for a report on a name that won't clear.

How long is a NUANS report valid?

A NUANS report is valid for 90 days from the search date. You need to incorporate within that window, or order a fresh report if it expires.

How long does it take to get a report?

Official NUANS reports are often available the same day. Quebec name approvals and pre-searches are also fast — we'll confirm timing when you send your name ideas.

What makes a business name get rejected?

Names are usually refused for being too similar to an existing business, causing confusion, or — in Quebec — not meeting French-language or distinctiveness rules. A thorough search helps you avoid these issues.

Can I reserve a name before incorporating?

A NUANS report effectively holds your place for 90 days for federal and provincial filings. In Quebec, name distinctiveness is confirmed at registration. We guide you on the right approach for your jurisdiction.

What is the French-language requirement in Quebec?

Under the Charter of the French Language, Quebec business names generally must be in French or have a compliant French form. We review your name to make sure it meets these rules before you file.

Should I do a trademark check too?

It's recommended. A name can clear the corporate registry but still conflict with a registered trademark. We flag potential trademark issues so you can protect your brand.

What's the difference between a named and numbered company?

A named company uses a business name that must be searched and approved. A numbered company uses a registry-assigned number and needs no name search — you can add a name later by amendment.

Can you handle both the search and the incorporation?

Yes. We can run your name search or approval and then incorporate your business federally, provincially, or in Quebec — all in one smooth process.

Ready to Secure Your Name?

Let's Clear Your Business Name

Send us your name ideas and where you're incorporating — we'll handle the NUANS report or Quebec name approval and get you filing-ready.