How to Check Company Name Availability for Registration in India?

Know how to check the availability of a company name for registration in India online, simplifying the name selection process.
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4 min
05-June-2024

What does ‘Name’ of a company signify?

The name of a company is a crucial element that defines its identity and brand. It is the official title under which a business operates and is recognised legally. A well-chosen company name can significantly impact the brand’s image, marketability, and overall success. When selecting a company name, it is essential to ensure it reflects the nature of the business, is easy to remember, and is unique enough to stand out in the marketplace. Additionally, the name must comply with the legal requirements and guidelines of the jurisdiction in which the company is registered. Securing a business loan can be instrumental in this process, offering financial support to cover the costs associated with conducting thorough research, trademark registration, and other legal formalities necessary to finalise the perfect company name.

What is company registration?

Company registration is the process of legally incorporating a business entity under the relevant government authority. This procedure formalises the business, giving it a legal identity separate from its owners. Registering a company involves submitting necessary documents, such as the memorandum and articles of association, and paying the required fees. The process may vary depending on the jurisdiction but typically includes obtaining a unique company name, registering the office address, and appointing directors. Company registration provides legal protection, helps in building credibility, and facilitates business operations and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Guidelines for choosing your company name

Choosing the right company name is crucial for establishing a strong brand identity. Here are some guidelines:

  1. Relevance: Ensure the name reflects the business’s nature and industry.
  2. Simplicity: Choose a name that is easy to pronounce, spell, and remember.
  3. Uniqueness: Avoid names that are too similar to existing businesses to prevent legal issues and confusion.
  4. Availability: Check the availability of the name as a domain and on social media platforms.
  5. Trademark: Ensure the name can be registered as a Trademark to protect your brand legally.

Things to keep in mind while choosing your company name

In India, selecting a company name is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration. There are several key factors to think about when choosing the right name for your business:

  1. Pronunciation and Spelling: The name should be easy to pronounce and spell, making it accessible to potential customers.
  2. Relevance: It should reflect the products or services your business offers, giving customers a clear idea of what to expect.
  3. Uniqueness: The name must be unique and not easily confused with existing businesses to avoid any legal issues and to stand out in the market.
  4. Simplicity and Catchiness: A simple, catchy name is more likely to stick in customers' minds, helping with brand recognition.

By keeping these points in mind, you can choose a name that not only resonates with your target audience but also supports your business goals. A well-chosen name can enhance your brand image, making it easier for customers to remember and recommend your business. Ultimately, investing time in selecting the right name will contribute significantly to your business's success.

How to check availability of company name online?

Checking the availability of a company name is an essential step in the registration process to ensure that the chosen name is unique and not already in use. Here are the steps to check company name availability:

  1. Government registry search: Visit the official government website or the registrar of companies in your jurisdiction. Most jurisdictions have an online database where you can search for existing company names.
  2. Domain name check: Use domain registration websites to see if the web domain for your desired company name is available. Having a matching domain name is beneficial for online presence.
  3. Trademark search: Conduct a search on the trademark registry to ensure the name is not already trademarked by another entity. This prevents potential legal issues related to trademark infringement.
  4. Social media check: Verify the availability of the name on social media platforms to ensure you can maintain a consistent brand identity across all channels.
  5. Professional assistance: Consider consulting with a legal professional or a business registration service to assist in the name availability check and the registration process.

Documents required for company name search

When you want to register a new company in India, it's essential to conduct a company name search to ensure your chosen name is unique and available. Here are the key documents needed for this process:

  1. Proposed company name: Have at least one or two names in mind. These should comply with the naming guidelines set by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
  2. Nature of business: Provide a brief description of your business activities. This helps in determining if your proposed name reflects your business correctly.
  3. Directors' details: You need to submit identification details of the proposed directors, including their names, addresses, and identification numbers. This information is crucial for verifying the authenticity of the application.
  4. Registered office address: Include the address of your company’s registered office. This should be a physical address in India, as it will be used for all official communications.
  5. Application form: Complete the necessary application form for name reservation. This is often done through the MCA’s online portal.
  6. Additional documents: Depending on your business structure, you may need to provide other documents, such as proof of identity or address for all stakeholders.

Having these documents ready will streamline the company name search process, ensuring a smooth start to your business registration journey.

Securing approval for your company name from MCA in India

Securing approval for your company name from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) is an important step in starting a business in India. Here are the key points to consider:

  1. Check availability: Before applying for approval, ensure your desired name is available. You can do this by searching the MCA's online database to check if the name is already taken by another company.
  2. Follow naming guidelines: The MCA has specific guidelines for company names. Your name should not be similar to an existing company, should not violate trademarks, and should not contain prohibited words, like "bank" or "insurance," unless you meet certain criteria.
  3. Use the RUN service: To secure your company name, use the MCA's "Reserve Unique Name" (RUN) service. This online service allows you to submit your desired name for approval.
  4. Submit required documents: When applying, provide necessary details and documents, including the proposed name and the nature of your business.
  5. Approval process: The MCA typically takes 1-2 days to review your application. If approved, you will receive a name reservation certificate, allowing you to proceed with your company registration.
  6. Validity period: The name reservation is valid for 20 days, during which you must complete your company registration. If you miss this window, you’ll need to apply again.

Following these steps will help ensure your company name is approved smoothly, allowing you to move forward with your business plans.

Conclusion

Choosing the right company name and ensuring its availability are crucial steps in the company registration process. It not only defines your brand identity but also helps in establishing a legal foundation for your business. For further assistance with financing your business, consider exploring options for a business loan.

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Frequently asked questions

Can a Company name be rejected?
Yes, a company name can be rejected if it does not meet specific criteria or guidelines set by the regulatory authorities. Common reasons for rejection include similarity to existing company names, use of prohibited or offensive words, and non-compliance with legal naming conventions. Additionally, names that are too generic, misleading, or suggest an association with government bodies or international organisations may also be rejected. It is important to thoroughly research and adhere to the naming guidelines of the relevant jurisdiction to avoid rejection.
How do you check if a name is already taken by a company?

To check if a company name is already taken, you can follow these steps:

  1. Government Registry Search: Visit the official government website or the registrar of companies in your jurisdiction. Most jurisdictions provide an online database where you can search for existing company names.
  2. Trademark Database: Check the trademark registry to see if the name is already trademarked by another entity. This helps avoid potential legal issues related to trademark infringement.
  3. Domain Name Check: Use domain registration websites to see if the web domain for your desired company name is available.
  4. Social Media Check: Verify the availability of the name on social media platforms to ensure consistency in branding.
How to apply for name availability of a company?

Applying for name availability involves a few key steps to ensure your chosen company name is approved:

  1. Preliminary Search: Conduct a preliminary search using the government’s company name database and trademark registry to ensure the name is not already in use.
  2. Reservation Request: Submit a name reservation request to the registrar of companies. This often involves filling out an online form and paying a nominal fee.
  3. Approval Process: The registrar will review your application to ensure the name complies with naming guidelines and is not identical or too similar to an existing company name.
  4. Confirmation: Once approved, you will receive a confirmation, and the name will be reserved for your company for a specified period, allowing you time to complete the registration process.
How to check if a company is listed or not?

To check if a company is listed, you can:

  1. Stock Exchange Websites: Visit the official websites of major stock exchanges, such as the London Stock Exchange (LSE) or the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). These sites have searchable databases of listed companies.
  2. Regulatory Authorities: Check with regulatory authorities like the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the US. They maintain records of publicly listed companies.
  3. Company’s Website: Visit the company’s official website. Listed companies often provide information about their stock exchange listings in the investor relations section.
  4. Financial News Websites: Use financial news websites and databases like Bloomberg, Reuters, or Yahoo Finance, which provide comprehensive information on listed companies.

Ensuring that your company name is unique and meets all legal requirements is a crucial step in the registration process, helping to establish a strong foundation for your business

Can I choose any company name?

You cannot choose just any company name. The name must follow specific rules set by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). It should be unique, meaning it cannot be similar to existing companies. Additionally, it should not include prohibited words like “bank” or “insurance” unless you have permission. The chosen name should also reflect the nature of your business. To ensure your name is acceptable, it’s best to check the MCA’s online database before finalising your choice.

Can you have 2 names for a company?

Yes, a company can have two names, but they must be registered correctly. One name is typically the official registered name, while the other can be a trading name or brand name used for marketing. However, both names should not mislead the public and must comply with legal guidelines. If a company operates under different legal forms, such as a non-profit and a corporation, it can use different names for each form. Always ensure that both names are unique and not in conflict with existing trademarks.

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