A NUANS Report (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) is an official Canadian name search report used to determine whether a proposed business or corporate name is available and distinct from existing names and trademarks. The report compares your chosen name against a database of active corporations, business names, and registered trademarks to identify potential conflicts or similarities that could lead to rejection during incorporation.

In Canada, a NUANS Report is required for federal incorporation and in several provinces, including Ontario, Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, when you are registering a corporation with a chosen (non-numbered) name. It is typically not required for numbered companies (for example, “1234567 Canada Inc.”) depending on the jurisdiction.

A NUANS Report is usually needed before submitting incorporation documents or name approval applications. It helps ensure your business name is legally acceptable, reduces the risk of rejection, and provides a reservation period during which you can proceed with incorporation using that name. The report is a key step in the business registration process for entrepreneurs who want a specific brand name rather than a numbered corporation.