FAQ

Company Formations

  1. New companies
  2. Public limited companies
  3. Single member companies
  4. Re-registration
  5. Publication of company name and details to be shown on company stationery
  6. The new company - looking forward
  7. Further information

Company Names

  1. Introduction
  2. Choosing a company name
  3. Change of company name and change of status
  4. Sensitive words and expressions
  5. Exemptions using the word ‘limited’
  6. Directions to change a company name
  7. Controls and restrictions
  8. Disclosure of company name and other information
  9. Further information
  10. Appendix

This is a guide only and should be read with the relevant legislation.

  • Companies Act 1985
  • Companies Act 2006
  • The Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No. 6, Saving and Commencement No. 3 and No. 5 (Amendment)) Order 2008 – SI 2008/674
  • The Companies (Trading Disclosures) Regulations - 2008 SI 2008/495

Controls and restrictions on names used by other types of companies and overseas companies.

1. What controls apply to Overseas companies?

Similar rules that govern the use of names registered in Great Britain apply to the names of overseas companies and their branches registered under Part XXIII of the Companies Act 1985. Companies House will register the overseas name but if it is the 'same as' an existing name on the register the company will have to register an alternative name for use in Great Britain. This will also apply if someone makes an objection after registration on grounds that the name is 'too like' an existing company name.

Further Information about the registration of overseas companies is available in our 'Oversea Companies' guidance at www.companieshouse.gov.uk.

2. What controls apply to Open-ended investment companies, European economic interest groupings and limited partnerships?

These companies appear on the Company Names Index and they are subject to the same rules on the use of names as those applying to other company types referred to in this guidance, including 'too like' and 'same as' names - see Chapter 1.

3. What controls apply to Business names?

A company may choose to carry on business under a name that is not the same as its registered name. The rules about 'too like' and 'same as' names apply only to registered companies. However, all the words and expressions that require the approval of the Secretary of State before they can be used in a registered name also apply to business names including business names used by companies in the course of business. Please see Chapter 3. More information about business names is available in our 'Business Names' guidance at www.companieshouse.gov.uk

4. Could a choice of name be affected by the trade marks index? Could the trade marks index or the Consumer Credit Act affect a choice of name?

The Registrar does not consult the Trade Marks Register when considering an application for a company name. This is why we advise customers to make appropriate checks of the Trade Marks Register before applying to register a company name. You may wish to consider consulting a solicitor before using a name. You may also wish to consider checking local phone books and any relevant trade journals or magazines to see if any other business is already using that name.

If you have any intention to trade goods or services, you would be well advised to ensure your company name does not conflict with a registered trademark. It does not have to be identical with a trade mark to cause possible conflict. Problems can arise if a name is judged to be confusingly similar. For further advice, including how to search the Trade Marks Register, contact the Trade Marks Registry of the UK Intellectual Property Office by visiting their website at www.ipo.gov.uk, by telephone on 08459 500 505 or by email to enquiries@ipo.gov.uk

Registration of your company name does not imply any acceptance of the same name for the purpose of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. If you need a licence under that Act in order to carry on business, then you should consult the licensing branch of the Office of Fair Trading to find out whether your chosen name is acceptable for the purposes of the Act. The address is:

Office of Fair Trading
3rd Floor
Craven House
40 Uxbridge Road
Ealing
London W5 2BS
Tel: 020 7211 8000