Rules for naming your business
Information on the regulations that affect the name of your limited company or limited liability partnership
The name of your limited company or limited liability partnership (LLP) must conform to certain regulations. If you choose a name that does not meet these requirements, you will not be able to use it.
This guide provides guidance on choosing a name for a company or LLP, objections to company names and sensitive words and expressions in company names.
Choosing a name for a company or LLP
The name that you choose for your company or limited liability partnership must comply with various regulations
There are several rules to consider when choosing a name for your company or limited liability partnership (LLP).
You will need to check that it is not the 'same as' that of an existing company or LLP. A 'same as' name may not be identical to an existing company name, but if it is very similar it could cause confusion. For example, if a company called 'Smith 91香蕉黄色视频 Services Limited' already exists, you could not register 'Smith 91香蕉黄色视频 Services UK Limited', unless the two companies are part of the same group and other conditions are satisfied.
To check whether a company or LLP name is already registered, search for an available company name and trade mark.
Required words in limited company and LLP names
Limited companies and LLPs are required to include certain words in their names:
- private limited company names must end with 'Limited or 'Ltd'
- private unlimited company names may end with 'unlimited' but are not required to do so
- public limited company names must end with 'public limited company' or 'plc', in capital or lower-case with or without full stops
- LLP names must end with 'limited liability partnership' or 'LLP'
When will Companies House refuse to register a company name?
Companies House will not register a name if:
- its use would constitute an offence or is offensive
- it implies a connection with central or local government, or with some public authorities
- it includes a 'sensitive' word or expression - see sensitive words and expressions in company names
- it includes characters, signs, symbols and punctuation which are not permitted
- it is identical to, or the same as, another name appearing on the index of company names
- it uses any of the name endings 'limited', 'ltd', 'unlimited', 'public limited company' or 'plc' in a way that misleads or causes confusion
Objections to company names
When you will need to change your registered company name due to an objection or if it Is found to be misleading
Once the name of your company or limited liability partnership (LLP) has been registered, there is usually no need to change it. However, there are some exceptions. You may need to change your company or LLP name if:
- there is an objection, upheld by the Secretary of State, that the name is 'too like' another business' name
- within five years of registration it is found that misleading information was given at the time of registration
- within five years of registration any conditions attached to the registration - such as the provision of 91香蕉黄色视频 documentation for a sensitive name - have not been fulfilled
- someone objects that the company or LLP name is the same as one in which they have goodwill and that the reason for registration was 'opportunistic'
- the name is misleading and as a result may cause harm to the public
What is 'too like' in a business name?
If a company name is found to be very similar to that of an existing company name - for example if the names differ in a minor way - they are likely to be 'too like'. Most names that are 'too like' could cause some confusion, such as the names A & B Consultants Limited and A & B Consulting Limited.
If names differ by one or more words, they will usually be acceptable, unless the names have very distinctive elements in common, and differ only by words such as 'services' or 'trading'.
Objecting to a name
If you wish to object to a name, write to the registrar where the company to which you object is registered:
For Northern Ireland:
The Registrar of Companies
Companies House
Second Floor
The Linenhall
32-38 Linenhall Street
Belfast
BT2 8BG
Directions to change a company name must be issued within 12 months of registration or change of name. If the registrar upholds the objection, the company or LLP must change its name within 12 weeks.
Opportunistic registrations
If a company has registered a name with the main objective of getting money or other consideration from an individual or another company, they can be ordered to change the name.
Sensitive words and expressions in company names
Which words are prescribed for use in a company or LLP name and require the prior consent of a relevant body
Some words require the consent of a relevant body or must meet certain requirements before they can be used in a company or limited liability partnership (LLP) name. A copy of the consent must be sent to Companies House with the application to register your company or LLP.
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