Contents
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Introduction
This booklet explains:
-
the
rules and restrictions
on the choice
of company names
both when a
company is formed
and when it
changes its
name;
-
when Companies
House will not
register a company
name and when
the use of sensitive
words or expressions
will need to
be justified
or need prior
approval from
a recognised
authority;
-
when
you can object
to the registration
of a particular
company name,
and also what
to do if your
company name
has been objected
to and you are
directed by
the Secretary
of State to
change the name;
-
how
to change a
company name,
but not how
to form a company
(for this, please
see our booklet,
'Company Formation').
The
booklet will also
be useful to unincorporated
partnerships and
sole traders who
use a business name,
companies incorporated
overseas which trade
from an address
in Great Britain,
open-ended investment
companies, ,European
economic interest
groupings and limited
partnerships.
You will find the
relevant law in
the Companies Act
1985 (as amended
in 1989 and later)
and in the Company
and Business Names
Regulations (as
amended).
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CHAPTER 1
Choosing a company
name
1. Can I
choose any name
I want for my company?
No. Several regulations
can affect your
choice. For example,
all company names
must end with the
words 'Limited',
'Unlimited', 'Public
Limited Company',
or their abbreviations
or Welsh equivalents.
Certain companies
may apply for exemption
from using 'limited'
- see chapter
4 for more details.
2. Could
my choice of name
be rejected?
Yes, if: In
addition, some names
need the approval
of the Secretary
of State before
they can be registered.
These include names
which contain words
prescribed by regulations
(see question 4
below) and names
which suggest a
connection with
central or local
government. If these
categories are avoided,
you can normally
have your choice
of name.
Before you apply
to set up a company,
or do anything to
change its name,
it is a good idea
to search the index
at Companies House
to see if there
are already any
companies with names
similar to the one
you want. If in
doubt, call us on
0870 3333636 or
search the website
company index at
www.companieshouse.gov.uk/info
3. What
does 'the same as'
mean?
When deciding whether
a name is 'the same
as' another name,
the Registrar ignores
punctuation, the
company's status,
'the' at the start
of the name, and
words like 'company
(or co)', 'and (or
&) company (or
co)'. A name that
sounds the same
as one already on
the Company Names
Index may be accepted
if the two names
are spelt differently.
For example, if
the name 'Hands
Limited' is already
registered, then
the following would
be rejected:
- Hands Public
Limited Company
(or PLC)
- H and S Limited
(or Ltd)
- H and S Public
Limited Company
(or PLC)
- H & S Limited
(or Ltd)
- any of the above,
with the addition
of 'Company (or
Co)' or 'and (or
&) Company
(or Co)'
While
a company
name may be
sufficiently
different
from a name
already on
the Index
to allow it
to be registered,
this might
not be enough
to avoid the
names being
considered
'too like'
each other
if an objection
is lodged
after the
second company
has been incorporated.
In such cases,
your company
could be directed
to change
its name -
see chapter
5. |
You should be aware
that if you adopt
a name which misleads
the public into
believing that your
business is that
of another business
- for example, trading
as a department
store under the
name 'Harrods' -
then you may face
a legal action for
'passing off' by
the person whose
business you have
affected. Registration
of a name by Companies
House is no guarantee
that you are safe
from such an action.
Registering
a name prevents
another limited
company from
having an
identical
name, but
it does not
stop the name
being used
as a trading
or business
name except
in the circumstances
described
above. |
4. Which
names need approval?
Names which need
approval are those
which include words
or expressions set
out in statutory
regulations and
names which give
the impression that
the company is connected
with HM Government
or with a local
authority. Full
lists of 'sensitive'
words are at Appendices
A,
B
and C,
and there is more
information on sensitive
words in chapter
3.
|
Names
that suggest
a banking
activity
Following
the repeal
of the Banking
Act 1987,
company names
that include
bank, banker,
banking or
deposit no
longer need
approval.
However, using
words that
suggest a
banking activity
implies that
the person
using the
name is carrying
on a banking
business and
is therefore
accepting
deposits -
a regulated
activity under
the Financial
Services and
Markets Act
2000. Therefore,
the person
would normally
need to be
an 'authorised
person' or
to have exemption
under the
Act.
Use of a banking
name by a
person who
is neither
authorised
nor exempt
under the
Act could
be material
to whether
an offence
has been committed
under section
24 of the
Act. A person
may, however,
be able to
establish
that the way
that he carries
on his business
means that
those who
deal with
him would
not understand
him to be
an authorised
person.
It should
not be assumed
that a decision
by us to register
a particular
banking name
means that
its use in
certain circumstances
would not
contravene
section 24.
If you are
in any doubt,
you should
seek independent
legal advice.
|
5. What
if my choice of
name needs approval?
If you choose a
company name that
needs the approval
of the Secretary
of State for Trade
and Industry before
use, contact New
Companies Section
at Companies House,
Cardiff or Edinburgh,
as appropriate,
and ask for information
on the rules governing
the use of the word
you have chosen.
-
If
you choose a
name that includes
any of the words
listed in Appendix
A, you will
probably be
asked to supply
supporting information
before we register
the name. You
should write,
enclosing information
in support of
your application,
to the Secretary
of State for
Trade and Industry
at Companies
House in Cardiff
(for English
and Welsh companies)
or in Edinburgh
(for Scottish
companies).
-
If
your choice
of name includes
any of the words
listed in Appendix
B, then
you will need
to write to
the 'relevant
body' to ask
if they have
any objection
(and if so,
why) to your
use of the word
or expression
in your company
name. When you
write to the
Secretary of
State for Trade
and Industry
at Companies
House, Cardiff
or Edinburgh
to ask for approval
of the name,
you must enclose
a copy of any
reply you have
received from
the 'relevant
body'.
-
The
use of some
words and expressions
is covered by
other legislation
and their incorrect
use in company
names might
be a criminal
offence. Those
known to Companies
House are listed
at Appendix
C. If you
wish to include
one of these
words or expressions
in your company
name, then you
should contact
the relevant
regulatory authority,
or ask us for
advice.
-
If
your chosen
name gives the
impression that
your company
is connected
with HM Government
or with a local
authority, then
you will need
the written
approval of
the Secretary
of State for
Trade and Industry
before the name
can be registered.
Write to the
Secretary of
State for Trade
and Industry
at Companies
House, Cardiff
or Edinburgh,
as appropriate,
giving as much
detail as you
can to support
your application.
Such names will
normally only
be approved
where you can
show that a
genuine connection
exists and where
the relevant
government body
supports the
application.
See chapter
3.
6.
How do I register
my company name?
If your chosen name
is not already on
the Company Names
Index and is not
one which needs
the Secretary of
State's approval,
then send your incorporation
documents (or special
resolution if an
existing company
is changing its
name) to:
- New Companies
Section, Cardiff
for companies
registered in
England and Wales;
or
- The Registrar
of Companies for
Scotland for those
companies registered
in Scotland.
If
your documents are
correct, the company
name will be registered
and a certificate
of incorporation
issued.
More information
about incorporating
companies is available
in our booklet,
'Company Formation'.
Information about
changing the name
of a company is
given in chapter
2 of this booklet.
Back
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CHAPTER 2
Change of company
name
1. Are there
any restrictions
on the new name
a company can choose?
Yes. They are identical
to the restrictions
applying to a new
company seeking
registration. So,
before you decide
on a new name for
your company, please
read chapter
1. If you choose
an unacceptable
name, we will not
register it.
If a name is registered
that is too similar
to another already
on the index and
an objection is
made, then the Secretary
of State may direct
your company to
change its name.
For information
on the Secretary
of State's powers,
see chapter
5.
2. What
is a change of name?
Be careful to distinguish
between a change
of name and a change
of status of a company.
For instance, a
company changing
from J SMITH LIMITED
to J SMITH &
SON LIMITED is a
change of name,
but a company changing
from J SMITH LIMITED
to J SMITH PLC indicates
a change of status
from a private limited
company to a public
limited company.
For more information
on changing the
status of a company,
see our booklet
'Company Formation'.
3. How is
the name changed?
The company must
pass a special resolution
in a general meeting,
or all the members
must sign a written
resolution that
the name of the
company be changed
to the new name.
More information
about resolutions
is available in
our booklet, 'Resolutions'.
A signed copy of
the resolution containing
the new name should
then be sent to
the Registrar, together
with the fee (currently
£10). If all is
in order, Companies
House will then
process the resolution
and issue a Certificate
of Incorporation
on Change of Name.
The name of the
company is not changed
until the new certificate
is issued.
4. How long
does this take?
If all the documents
are correct, the
change of name will
normally be processed
within five working
days from receipt
at Companies House.
Companies House
also provides a
premium service
where we issue the
change of name certificate
on the same day
as we receive the
resolution. This
service, which costs
£80, can only be
guaranteed where
the relevant special
resolution is delivered
before 3pm. The
service is available
at any Companies
House office.
|
Same-day
applications
Posted, couriered
and other
sealed same-day
change of
name applications
must be clearly
marked on
the envelope
'for the attention
of New Companies
Section' and
'same-day
change of
name'. |
5. Can a
change of name and
of status be done
together?
Yes. You can combine
the resolution for
change of name and
change of status,
for example, resolving
to change the name
from ABC Limited
to XYZ PLC. However,
if a PLC wishes
to change its status,
same-day re-registration
can only occur if
the necessary majority
of the company members
have agreed to the
change. For more
information, see
chapter 4 of our
booklet 'Company
Formation'.
You will need to
submit all the documentation
associated with
the change of status
at the same time.
You will also need
to submit two fees:
£10 for the change
of name and £20
for the change of
status (£30 in total),
or £160 if you require
the same-day premium
service.
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CHAPTER 3
Sensitive words
and expressions
1. What
are 'sensitive words
and expressions'?
These are words
and expressions
that, when used
in a company name,
may imply business
pre-eminence, a
particular status
or a specific function.
For this reason,
they have been prescribed
in regulations as
requiring the approval
of the Secretary
of State. The aim
is to ensure that
use of the word
is justified so
that the public
is not misled by
the name. We act
on behalf of the
Secretary of State
in dealing with
applications for
approval of such
words and expressions.
Approval
by the Secretary
of State is
confined to
the use of
certain words
or expressions
in the company
name. Approval
does not imply
approval of
a company's
aims and objectives. |
This chapter gives
guidance on the
conditions your
company will need
to fulfil if you
wish to use one
of the words listed
in Appendix
A.
2. What
types of words and
expressions are
sensitive?
The following
words imply national
or international
pre-eminence:
-
British
- approval of
this word in
your company
name will depend
on how it is
used. Normally
the Secretary
of State would
expect the company
to be British
owned. You would
need to show
that the company
is pre-eminent
in its field
by providing
supporting evidence
from an independent
source such
as a Government
department or
a trade association.
If the word
'British' is
qualified by
words that do
not describe
an activity
or product,
for example
by using a 'made-up'
word, then evidence
of pre-eminence
is not necessarily
essential. But
you would be
expected to
show that your
company is substantial
in relation
to its activity
or product and
that it is eminent
in its own field.
-
England,
English, Scotland,
Scottish, Wales,
Welsh, Ireland
or Irish
- if you wish
to use these
words as a prefix
to your company
name, the rules
are similar
to those for
'British'. You
will usually
be given approval
to use any of
these words
as a suffix
if you show
that the company
has its main
place of business
in the country
concerned. If
you want to
use one of these
words because
it is a surname,
you will usually
be given approval
if the company
name includes
forenames or
initials.
-
European
- names which
include this
word will not
be approved
if they unjustifiably
imply a connection
with official
bodies of the
European Union.
If there is
a genuine connection
with an official
body, the name
may be allowed
if the appropriate
body supports
the application.
- Great
Britain
or United
Kingdom
- if you wish
to use these expressions
as a prefix, or
to use 'of Great
Britain' or 'of
the United Kingdom'
as a suffix, then
the criteria are
the same as for
'British'. If
the words are
used as a suffix
to the name, they
are normally allowed
without difficulty.
Using the initials
'GB' or 'UK' in
your company name
does not require
approval.
-
International
- if you wish
to use this
word as a prefix,
you need to
show that the
major part of
the company's
activities is
in trading overseas.
If you wish
to use it as
a suffix,
then approval
will usually
be given if
you can show
that the company
operates in
two or more
overseas countries.
- National
- the criteria
for use of this
word are the same
as for 'British'.
The following words
imply business pre-eminence
or representative
or authoritative status:
-
association,
federation
or society
- if you wish
to use one of
these words,
your company
would normally
be limited by
guarantee. Each
member should
have one vote
and the constitution
should contain
a non-profit
distribution
clause. This
provides that
any profits
should be used
to further the
objects of the
company and
not be paid
to the members
as dividends.
-
authority,
board
or council
- if you want
to use any of
these words,
you should ask
us for advice.
If the company
is to be registered
in Scotland,
contact Companies
House in Edinburgh.
-
institute
or institution
- approval for
use of these
words is normally
given only to
those organisations
which are carrying
out research
at the highest
level or to
professional
bodies of the
highest standing.
You will need
to show us that
there is a need
for the proposed
institute and
that it has
appropriate
regulations
or examination
standards. You
will need evidence
of support from
other representative
and independent
bodies.
The following words
imply specific objects
or functions:
-
assurance,
assurer, insurance,
insurer, re-assurance,
re-assurer,
re-insurance
or re-insurer
- if the name
is needed for
an underwriting
company, we
will normally
seek further
advice. However,
if you want
to use the name
for a company
that will only
provide insurance
services, then
you should include
the appropriate
qualification,
for example
'agents', 'consultants'
or 'services',
in the name.
-
benevolent,
foundation
or fund
- names that
include any
of these words
will normally
be refused if
they imply that
the company
has charitable
status. If the
company is limited
by guarantee
and has a non-profit
distribution
clause in the
memorandum of
association,
then the name
will normally
be approved.
-
charter
or chartered
- names that
include these
words will be
refused if they
unjustifiably
give the impression
that the company
has a Royal
Charter. If
the words are
used to qualify
a profession,
we will seek
the advice of
the appropriate
governing body
before considering
whether to give
approval.
-
charity
- approval for
a name including
this word normally
depends on the
company being
registered with
the Charity
Commission.
A company's
objects should
be charitable
and the memorandum
should contain
a non-profit
distribution
clause.
-
chemist
or chemistry
- if you want
to use these
words, you should
ask for advice
from Companies
House in Cardiff.
If the company
is to be registered
in Scotland,
contact Companies
House in Edinburgh.
-
co-operative
- any company
wanting to use
this word should
normally be
limited by guarantee
with each member
having one vote,
and include
a non-profit
distribution
clause in the
memorandum of
association.
However, a company
limited by shares
may also be
permitted to
use 'co-operative'
in its name
in some circumstances.
In either case,
we may ask you
to provide more
detailed information
before giving
approval.
-
Friendly
Society
or Industrial
and Provident
Society
- we will refer
names which
include these
expressions
to the Registrar
of Friendly
Societies for
advice. If you
want to use
them in your
company name,
you should first
ask Companies
House in Cardiff.
If the company
is to be registered
in Scotland,
contact Companies
House in Edinburgh.
-
group
- if use of
this word implies
several companies
under one corporate
ownership, then
you will need
to provide evidence
of association
with two or
more other British
or overseas
companies. If
the name clearly
shows that the
company is to
promote the
interests of
a group of individuals,
then the name
will normally
be approved.
-
holding(s)
- a company
wishing to use
this word must
be a holding
company as defined
under section
736 of the Companies
Act 1985.
-
patent
or patentee
- a name including
either word
will only be
approved if
it does not
contravene the
Copyright, Designs
and Patent Act
1988.
- post
office
- we are likely
to seek advice
on applications
that include these
words.
-
register
or registered
- we treat every
application
for use of these
words on its
merits. Generally,
we will seek
advice from
the appropriate
governing body
if names that
include these
words are linked
with a professional
qualification.
The name will
not be registered
if it unjustifiably
implies a connection
with HM Government
or a local authority.
If such a connection
actually exists,
the name may
be allowed if
the appropriate
body supports
the application.
-
Sheffield
- if you wish
to use a name
that includes
the word 'Sheffield',
we will need
to establish
details of the
company's location
and its business
activities.
We will also
consult the
Company of Cutlers
in Hallamshire.
-
stock
exchange
- names including
this expression
will normally
be refused unless
there are special
circumstances.
- trade
union
- names including
this expression
will normally
be refused unless
they conform to
legislation relating
to trade unions.
-
trust
- the word 'trust'
can be used
in many different
senses. Each
application
is dealt with
on its merits
but the main
uses of this
word are as
follows:
charitable
trust
- these companies
need to have
charitable objects
and a non-profit
distribution
clause in the
memorandum of
association.
You will be
asked for confirmation
that you have
made, or will
make, an application
for registration
as a charity
with the Charity
Commission.
Scottish companies
wishing to use
the expression
'charitable
trust' will
need to apply
to the Inland
Revenue in Edinburgh
as the Charity
Commission has
no jurisdiction
in Scotland.
educational
trust
or artistic
trust
- such companies
should have
a non-profit
distribution
clause in the
memorandum of
association
and the name
should reflect
the nature of
the trust. The
promoters should
be of high standing
in the field.
enterprise
trust
- these companies
must have a
non-profit distribution
clause in the
memorandum of
association
and they must
be able to provide
evidence of
support from,
for example,
local authorities,
businesses or
banks.
family
trust
- such companies
must be non-profit
distributing
and the objects
must reflect
the nature of
the trust. Names
of family trusts
will usually
be approved
if the name
as a whole identifies
the company
as such.
financial
trust
or investment
trust
- if you wish
to use these
expressions,
you will need
to provide a
written assurance
that substantial
paid-up share
capital or other
funds will be
achieved within
a reasonable
period after
incorporation.
pensions
or staff
trust
- the names
of such companies
must include
the name of
the parent company,
and the objects
of the company
must include
the operation
of pension funds.
unit
trust
- if you wish
to use this
as part of your
company name,
you should seek
the advice of
Companies House
in Cardiff.
If the company
is to be registered
in Scotland,
contact Companies
House in Edinburgh.
Back to top
CHAPTER 4
Exemption from using
the word 'limited'
in a company name
1. Using
'limited'
Limited companies
must normally have
the word 'limited'
(or its Welsh equivalent
'cyfyngedig') as
part of their company
name. This may be
abbreviated to 'ltd.'
(or 'cyf.'). However,
under Section 30
of the Companies
Act 1985, some company
names need not include
the word 'limited'
if they satisfy
certain criteria.
A company which
takes advantage
of such an exemption
will also:
- be exempt from
the Companies
Act 1985 in relation
to the publication
of its name; and
- will not have
to send lists
of members to
the Registrar.
2.
What kind of company
can be exempt from
using 'limited'
in its name?
To be exempt, a
company must be
a private company
limited by guarantee;
the objects of the
company must be
the promotion of
commerce, art, science,
education, religion,
charity or any profession;
and the memorandum
or articles of association
must say that:
A
company
that wishes
to be exempt
from using
'limited'
in its name
must satisfy
all the
above conditions.
If you are
not sure
whether
your company
qualifies,
you should
consult
a solicitor.
|
In addition, a company
which was a private
company limited
by shares on 25
February 1982 may
also be exempt if
it did not include
'limited' in its
name because it
had a licence under
section 19 of the
Companies Act 1948
and complies with
the requirements
set out above.
3. If my
company qualifies,
how do I claim the
exemption?
When your company
is being formed,
you must make a
statutory declaration
on Form 30(5)(a)
and send it to the
Registrar with your
incorporation documents.
More information
about forming companies
is available in
our booklet, 'Company
Formation'.
4. What
if a company that
already exists wants
to claim the exemption?
If the company already
exists, you must
pass a special resolution
to change its name,
by omitting 'limited'.
You must send the
resolution to Companies
House with a statutory
declaration on Form
30(5)(c). See chapter
2 for information
about changing your
company name.
Forms 30(5)(a) and
30(5)(c) are available
free of charge from
Companies House,
Cardiff and Edinburgh.
5. How much
will it cost?
There is no charge
for being given
exemption to omit
the word 'limited'
from your company
name. If you are
claiming the exemption
when the company
is being formed,
you pay the standard
incorporation fee.
If you are claiming
the exemption for
a company that already
exists, you pay
the standard change-of-name
fee.
Please remember
that when you have
been granted an
exemption, you may
not alter the memorandum
and articles of
association in such
a way that they
no longer satisfy
the conditions for
exemption.
Back
to top
CHAPTER 5
Directions to change
a company name
1. What
is a 'direction'?
A direction to change
a company name is
a legal instruction
for a company to
pass a resolution
adopting a new name
and to register
the change at Companies
House within a specified
time. A direction
may be issued, for
example, as a result
of an objection
being lodged by
an interested party
because one name
is 'too like' another.
This chapter explains
how to make an objection,
what is considered
when deciding whether
one name is too
like another and
generally when a
direction may be
issued.
2. Who can
direct a company
to change its name?
The Secretary of
State has statutory
powers to direct
a company to change
its name in certain
circumstances.
3. How do
I object to a name?
If you wish to object
to a name, for example
because its similarity
to your company
name may lead to
confusion between
companies, then
you must write to:
For
companies incorporated
in
England &
Wales:
The Secretary
of State for
Trade &
Industry
Companies Administration
Branch
Companies House
Crown Way
Cardiff CF14
3UZ |
For
companies incorporated
in Scotland:
The Secretary
of State for
Trade &
Industry
Companies House
37 Castle Terrace
Edinburgh EH1
2EB |
4. What
does 'too like'
mean?
The Secretary of
State first looks
at the two names.
Only if the names
appear to be like
each other does
he consider whether
they are 'too like',
that is if there
is a danger of confusion
between companies.
If the names differ
by one or more words,
this may suggest
that they are not
'too like', depending
on, for example,
the word(s) and
the length of the
names in question.
If the names differ
in only minor respects,
this may suggest
that the names are
"too like", in which
case a direction
may be issued. Examples
could be:
- If the difference
amounts to only
one or two letters,
especially when
these represent
the plural of
a word included
in an otherwise
identical name
on the register.
-
If
the names differ
by short words,
particularly
when these words
are of a generic
nature such
as "GB" or "UK"
or ".com".
-
If
the names differ
by slightly
longer words
when they have
substantial
or very distinctive
elements in
common.
- If they differ
in the use of
symbols.
Note:
consideration can
only be given to
the full corporate
names of the companies.
5. What
if the name suggests
a connection with
a company already
on the index?
The Secretary of
State does not consider
any aspect of 'implied
association', that
is whether the company
might be thought
to be a member of,
or associated with,
a particular company
or group of companies.
Nor does he consider
the use of trading
or business names,
logos, ownership
of registered trade
or service marks,
copyrights, patents
etc., or any other
proprietary rights
existing in names
or parts of names.
6. How are
objections dealt
with?
The Secretary of
State's powers are
discretionary, each
case being considered
on its merits. The
Secretary of State
will normally inform
the company whose
name he proposed
to direct to be
changed, so that
this company can
put forward any
evidence it considers
appropriate in justification
of retaining the
existing name. Any
relevant information
provided to support
or rebut the case
for confusion between
companies, as companies
(but not between
companies as represented
by their trading
title, style or
activity) will be
considered in reaching
a decision.
7. When
may a direction
be issued?
A company may be
directed to change
its name:
-
Within
12 months of
its date of
registration
if it is the
same as or,
in the opinion
of the Secretary
of State, 'too
like' a name
appearing (or
which should
have appeared)
on the index
at the time
of its registration.
-
Within
five years of
its date of
registration,
where the Secretary
of State has
reason to think
that it has
provided misleading
information
for the purposes
of registration,
or has given
undertakings
or assurances
for that purpose
that have not
been fulfilled.
-
At
any time if
the name gives
so misleading
an indication
of the nature
of the company's
activities as
to be likely
to cause harm
to the public.
This direction
must be complied
with within
six weeks unless
an application
is made to the
Court to set
it aside. (Section
32, Companies
Act 1985)
8.
Can a 'too like'
name be rejected
before the company
is registered?
No. Although proposed
company names are
rejected if they
are the 'same
as' an existing
company name, there
is no power to reject
a name on the grounds
that it is 'too
like' that of another
company.
It is in your interest
to ensure that the
name you choose
for your company
is sufficiently
different from any
other name on the
register. This will
reduce the risk
of confusion and
the following potential
difficulties:
- objections to
the company name;
- confusion with
other companies
with a poor trading
record;
- a 'passing off'
action in civil
law.
Back
to top
CHAPTER 6
How the control
of names applies
to other company
and business types
1. Oversea
companies
The same rules that
govern the use of
names for British-registered
companies apply
to the names of
oversea companies
and their branches
registered under
Part XXIII of the
Companies Act 1985.
If the name is not
acceptable, the
company will receive
a notice to change
it. Information
about the registration
of oversea companies
is available in
our booklet, 'Oversea
Companies'.
2. Open-ended
investment companies,
European economic
interest groupings
and limited partnerships
As with oversea
companies, the names
of these businesses
are kept on the
Company Names Index.
They are subject
to the same rules
on the use of names
and their names
are taken into account
when deciding whether
one name is the
'same as' another
- see chapter
1.
3. Business
names
The rules about
'too like' and 'same
as' names do not
apply. But certain
words and expressions
used in business
names still need
the approval of
the Secretary of
State for Trade
and Industry before
they can be used.
More information
about business names
is available in
our booklet, 'Business
Names'.
4. Could
a choice of name
be affected by the
trade marks index?
The Registrar does
not consult the
Trade Marks Register
when considering
an application for
a company name.
Therefore, the registration
of a name does not
mean that trade
mark rights do not
exist. In your own
interests, it is
sensible to check
with the Trade Marks
Registry of the
Patent Office, on:
Tel: 0645 500505
E-mail: enquiries@patent.gov.uk
Website: www.patent.gov.uk
... or by
the Consumer Credit
Act?
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:
Office of Fair Trading
3rd Floor
Craven House
40 Uxbridge Road
Ealing
London W5 2BS
Tel: 020 7211 8000
to find out whether
your chosen name
is acceptable for
the purposes of
the Act.
Back to top
CHAPTER 7
Further information
1. Where
can I go for help?
For more information
about names which
need the approval
of the Secretary
of State, you should
write to:
For
companies incorporated
in
England & Wales: |
For
companies incorporated
in
Scotland: |
New Companies
Section
Companies House
Crown Way
Cardiff CF14
3UZ
DX33050 Cardiff
|
The Registrar
of Companies
Companies House
37 Castle Terrace
Edinburgh EH1
2EB
DX ED235 Edinburgh
1 |
You can also get
advice about the
use of particular
words and expressions
from the relevant
bodies whose names
and addresses are
listed in the Appendices.
2. How do
I send information
to the Registrar?
You may deliver
documents to the
Registrar by hand
(personally or by
courier), including
outside office hours,
bank holidays and
weekends to Cardiff,
London and Edinburgh.
You may also send
documents by post
or by the Hays Document
Exchange service
(DX). If you send
documents, please
address them to:
For
companies incorporated
in
England & Wales: |
For
companies incorporated
in
Scotland: |
The Registrar
of Companies
Companies House
Crown Way
Cardiff CF14
3UZ
DX33050 Cardiff
|
The Registrar
of Companies
Companies House
37 Castle Terrace
Edinburgh EH1
2EB
DX ED235 Edinburgh
1 |
We will only acknowledge
receipt of documents
at Companies if you
provide a stamped
addressed envelope.
Please
note: Companies
House does
not accept
accounts
or any other
statutory
documents
by fax.
|
3. Where
do I get forms and
guidance booklets?
This is one of a
series of Companies
House booklets which
provide a simple
guide to the Companies
Act.
Statutory forms
and guidance booklets
are available, free
of charge from Companies
House. The quickest
way to get them
is through this
website or by telephoning
0870 3333636.
If you prefer you
can write to our
stationery sections
in Cardiff or Edinburgh.
Forms can also be
obtained from legal
stationers, accountants,
solicitors and company
formation agents
- addresses in business
phone books.
APPENDIX
A
You will need the
approval of the
Secretary of State
for Trade and Industry
before you use any
of the following
words or expressions
(or their plural
or possessive forms)
in your chosen company
name.
(a) Words which
imply national or
international pre-eminence:
| British |
Great
Britain |
National |
Wales |
| England |
International |
Scotland |
Welsh |
| English |
Ireland |
Scottish |
| European |
Irish |
United
Kingdom |
(b) Words which imply
business pre-eminence
or representative
or authoritative status:
| Association |
Board |
Federation |
Institution |
| Authority |
Council |
Institute |
Society |
(c) Words which imply
specific objects or
functions:
| Assurance |
Friendly
society |
Post
office |
Trade
union |
| Assurer |
Fund |
Reassurance |
Trust |
| Benevolent |
Group |
Re-assurer |
|
| Charter |
Holding |
Register |
|
| Chartered |
Industrial
& provident
society |
Registered |
|
| Chemist |
Insurance |
Re-insurance |
|
| Chemistry |
Insurer |
Re-insurer |
|
| Co-operative
|
Patent |
Sheffield |
|
| Foundation |
Patentee |
Stock
exchange |
|
APPENDIX
B
Words or expressions
in the following
list need the approval
of the Secretary
of State. If you
want to use any
of them in your
company name you
will need to write
first to the relevant
body to ask if they
have any objection
to its use. When
you apply for approval
to use the name
you should tell
Companies House
that you have written
to the relevant
body and enclose
a copy of the reply
you have received.
| Word
or Expression |
Relevant
Body for
companies intending
to have registered
office in England
or Wales |
Relevant
Body for
companies intending
to have registered
office in Scotland |
| Charity,
Charitable |
Head
of Status
Charity Commission
Woodfield House
Tangier
Taunton TA1
4BL |
For
recognition
as a
Scottish charity
Inland Revenue
FICO (Scotland)
Trinity Park
House
South Trinity
Road
Edinburgh
EH5 3SD |
| Contact
Lens |
The
Registrar
General Optical
Council
41 Harley Street
London W1N 2DJ |
As
for England
and
Wales |
| Dental,
Dentistry |
The
Registrar
General Dental
Council
37 Wimpole Street
London W1M 8DQ |
As for England
and
Wales |
District
Nurse,
Health Visitor,
Midwife, Midwifery,
Nurse, Nursing |
The
Registrar &
Chief Executive
United Kingdom
Central
Council for
Nursing,
Midwifery and
Health Visiting
23 Portland
Place
London W1N 3AF
|
As for England
and
Wales |
| Health
Centre |
Office of the
Solicitor
Department of
Health &
Social Security
48 Carey Street
London WC2A
2LS |
As
for England
and
Wales |
| Health
Service |
Department
of Health
Room 2N35A
Quarry House
Quarry Hill
LeedsLS2 7UE
|
As
for England
and
Wales |
| Police |
Home
Office
Police Dept
Strategy Group
Room 510
50 Queen Anne's
Gate
London SW1H
9AT |
The
Scottish Ministers
Police Division
St Andrews House
Regent Road
Edinburgh EH1
3DG
|
| Polytechnic
|
Department
of Education
and Science
FHE 1B
Sanctuary Buildings
Great Smith
Street
Westminster
London SW1P
3BT |
As
for England
and Wales |
Pregnancy,
Termination,
Abortion |
Department
of Health
Area 423
Wellington House
133-135 Waterloo
Road
London SE1 8UG |
As for England
and
Wales |
Royal,
Royale,
Royalty, King,
Queen, Prince,
Princess,
Windsor, Duke,
His/Her Majesty |
(If
based in England)
Lord Chancellor's
Department
Constitutional
Policy Division
1st Floor, Southside
105 Victoria
Street
London SW1E
6QT
(If
based in Wales)
The National
Assembly for
Wales
Crown Buildings
Cathays Park
Cardiff CF10
3NQ |
The
Scottish Ministers
Civil Law and
Legal Aid Division
Saughton House
Broomhouse Drive
Edinburgh EH11
3XD |
| Special
School |
Department
for Education
and Employment
Schools 2 Branch
Sanctuary Buildings
Great Smith
Street
Westminster
London SW1P
3BT |
As
for England
and
Wales
|
| University
|
Privy
Council Office
2 Carlton Gardens
London SW1Y
5AA |
As
for England
and
Wales |
APPENDIX
C
Certain words or
expressions are
covered by other
legislation and
their use in company
names might be a
criminal offence.
These are listed
below. If you want
to use any of these
words or expressions
in your company
name, then you should
contact the relevant
regulatory authority
or ask us for advice
before proceeding.
We may seek independent
advice from the
relevant body.
| Word
Or Expression |
Relevant
Legislation |
Relevant
Body |
| Architect |
Section
20 Architects
Registration
Act 1997 |
Architects
Registration
Board
73 Hallam Street
London W1N 6EE |
| Credit
Union |
Credit
Union Act 1979
|
The
Public Records
Section
Financial Services
Authority
25 The North
Colonnade
Canary Wharf
London E14 5HS |
Veterinary
Surgeon,
Veterinary,
Vet |
Sections
19/20
Veterinary Surgeons
Act 1966 |
The
Registrar
Royal College
of
Veterinary Surgeons
62-64 Horseferry
Rd
London SW1P
2AF |
|
Solicitor (Scotland)
|
S.31, Solicitors
(Scotland) Act
1980 |
The
Law Society
of Scotland
26 Drumsheugh
Gardens
Edinburgh EH3
7YR |
Dentist,
Dental Surgeon,
Dental Practitioner,
|
Dental
Act 1984 |
The
Registrar
General Dental
Council
37 Wimpole Street
London W1M 8DQ |
Drug,
Druggist,
Pharmaceutical,
Pharmaceutist,
Pharmacist,
Pharmacy |
Section
78
Medicines Act
1968 |
The
Director of
Legal Services
The Royal Pharmaceutical
Society of Great
Britain
1 Lambeth High
Street
London SE1 7JN
(for Scottish
Registered Companies)
The Pharmaceutical
Society
36 York Place
Edinburgh
EH13HU |
Olympiad,
Olympiads,
Olympian,
Olympians,
Olympic,
Olympics,
or translation
of these |
Olympic
Symbol etc.
(Protection)
Act 1995*
*Also protects
Olympic symbols
of five interlocking
rings and motto
"Citius
Altius Fortius" |
British
Olympic Association
1 Wandsworth
Plain
London
SW18 1EH |
Optician,
Ophthalmic Optician,
Dispensing Optician,
Enrolled Optician,
Registered Optician,
Optometrist |
Opticians
Act 1989 |
The
Registrar
General Optical
Council
41 Harley Street
London W1N 2DJ |
Red
Cross,
Geneva Cross,
Red Crescent,
Red Lion and
Sun |
Geneva
Convention
Act 1957 |
Seek
advice of
Companies House |
| Anzac |
Section
1 Anzac Act
1916 |
Seek
advice of
Companies House
|
Chiropodist,
Dietician,
Medical Laboratory,
Technician,
Occupational
Therapist,
Orthoptist,
Physiotherapist,
Radiographer,
Remedial Gymnast |
Professions
Supplementary
to
Medicine Act
1960
if preceded
by
Registered,
State or
Registered |
Mrs Joan Arnott
Department of
Health
HRD HRB
Rm 2N35A
Quarry House
Quarry Hill
Leeds LS2 7JE |
Institute
of Laryngology,
Institute of
Otology,
Institute of
Urology,
Institute of
Orthopaedics, |
University
College
London Act 1988
|
Seek
advice of
University College
London
Gower Street
London
WC1E 6BT |
Patent
Office,
Patent Agent
|
Copyright,
Designs
and Patents
Act
1988 |
IPPD
(Intellectual
Property Policy
Directorate)
Room 3B38, Concept
House
The Patent Office,
Cardiff Road,
Newport, NP10
8QQ |
| Building
Society |
Building Society
Act 1986 |
Seek
advice of
Building Societies
Commission
Victoria House
30-40 Kingsway
London WC2B
6ES |
Chamber(s)
of Business,
Chamber(s) of
Commerce,
Chamber(s) of
Commerce and
Industry,
Chamber(s) of
Commerce, Training
and Enterprise,
Chamber(s) of
Enterprise,
Chamber(s) of
Industry
Chamber(s) of
Trade,
Chamber(s) of
Trade and Industry,
Chamber(s) of
Training,
Chamber(s) of
Training and
Enterprise
or
the Welsh translations
of these words
|
Company
and Business
Names (Chamber
of Commerce
etc.) Act 1999 |
Guidance
is available
from Companies
House |
 Back
to top
|
