What’s the basic rule?
You can register a company name as long as you steer clear of some words that aren’t allowed, and it’s not “the same as” an existing name (unless you’re in the same group of companies as the one with the existing name).
- What words CAN’T I have in my company name? Offensive words; “sensitive” words that imply a certain status, like “Chartered”, “King”, or “NHS” – check the full list here; words that imply a connection with government, like “Court” or “Home Office” – check the full list here; words that are otherwise protected by law, like “Physician” or “Olympic” – check the full list here; certain symbols and punctuation. Companies House has broad powers to prohibit certain names which could be used to facilitate crime. This includes suggesting that a company has a non-existent connection to a foreign government or institution or names which include computer code.
- Why is “the same as” in quotation marks? Because for these purposes you have to ignore punctuation, spacing, and certain words that relate to geography, or look like web addresses, or are “company words” (like “holdings”). So, H & S Limited is “the same as” www.hands.com United Kingdom Holding Company Limited.
Is there anywhere I can check my name for these issues?
Yes – the Companies House name checker should show you most potential problems.
Can someone object to my company name?
Yes, you could be required to change your registered name following a complaint if the name is ‘too like’ an existing name, the name is misleading as to the company’s activities and is likely to cause harm to the public, the company can no longer justify omitting ‘Limited’ from the end of its name, or the name is the same as a name associated with the complainant in which he has goodwill (called ‘opportunistic registration’).
How different can my business name be from my company name?
You can trade under any business name you like provided you adhere to the rules above, and your business name and company name do not need to be related or similar in any way.
Do I need to display my business name anywhere?
No. you have no obligation to have a business name or, if you do, to use it in any particular way.
Do I need to display my company name anywhere?
Yes, you must display a sign with your registered name at your registered office, any inspection place, and at any location at which you carry on business (unless it is primarily used for living accommodation). You must also include the registered name in all business communications (hard copy and electronic) and websites. If you use a business name, the usual formulation is “[company name] trading as [business name]”
Can I reserve a name?
No, the name can only be secured once you actually incorporate your company.
Can I change my company name at a later date?
Yes, it would require a shareholder resolution and then a filing on Companies House.
Does having the company name give me an automatic right to the trade mark, web domain, social media handle, etc?
No.
What if someone copies the name I choose?
Companies House and the Intellectual Property Office offer monitoring services that alert you if the same or a similar company name or trademark is registered. You will need to take prompt action if a name is reported that you object to.