FAQ
Concise answers about NUANS® reports, preliminary searches, and this private service.
What is a NUANS® report?
A NUANS® report is a name search report that compares a proposed corporate name against similar corporate names, business names, and trademarks in the relevant search scope.
Does a NUANS® report mean my name is approved?
No. A NUANS® report helps identify similar names and trademarks. The applicable registry makes the final decision for a filing.
Does a Nova Scotia NUANS® report reserve my name?
No. It is used as part of a Nova Scotia name reservation application. Submit the report to the Registry of Joint Stock Companies, which performs the final name review and approval.
Does my New Brunswick NUANS® Report include the cover letter?
Yes. Every New Brunswick NUANS® Report ordered from GetNuans includes the name search firm cover letter used for the New Brunswick filing process at no additional charge. Both documents are delivered together by email.
How long is a report valid?
A provincial NUANS® report is generally valid for 90 days from the report date. The registry or filing process may still require additional review.
What is the difference between a preliminary search and a NUANS® report?
A preliminary search is an early screening tool. It does not reserve a name, replace an official NUANS® report, or provide a legal conclusion.
Which province should I select?
Choose the jurisdiction that matches the filing you are preparing. GetNuans currently offers NUANS® reports for Ontario, Alberta, the federal jurisdiction, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, plus preliminary name searches.
Do I need a report for a numbered corporation?
Requirements can vary by jurisdiction and filing path, so confirm the applicable registry instructions before ordering.
Can I use this website for federal incorporation?
Standard new federal incorporations and corporate name preapproval are handled through Corporations Canada's online process. GetNuans still offers Federal NUANS® reports for federal filings that specifically require one, such as revivals, amalgamations, eligible continuances, and cooperative filings.
Can I order a report for someone else?
Yes. You can enter the proposed name details and the contact email that should receive the report, so you can order on behalf of a client or colleague.
What information do I need before I start?
Have the proposed corporate name, main business activity, any distinctive wording, optional alternate spellings, and an email address ready.
Can I get a refund?
A full refund is available before your report is generated. Once a report has been generated and delivered it is generally non-refundable, but we always fix technical problems or duplicate charges. See the Refund Policy page for details.
Is GetNuans a government website?
No. GetNuans is a registered NUANS® member providing official NUANS® reports through authorized member access to the NUANS® system. We are an independent private service, not a government registry.
What happens after I receive my report?
Review the report carefully and use it in the applicable filing process if it fits your next step. A report does not itself register, incorporate, trademark, or clear a proposed name.
How will I know if planned NUANS maintenance is coming?
If we are aware of scheduled maintenance that may affect report generation, GetNuans will display a notice across our website before or during the maintenance window.
The Government of Canada may also publish a service notice on the official Nuans website:
For planned maintenance, these notices normally provide the scheduled interruption time so you can decide whether to order before the maintenance begins.