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Names for limited companies
If you have decided to form a limited company or limited liability partnership (LLP), you'll need to register your name and other details with Companies House.
Before you fill in the forms it's essential to check that your proposed name doesn't break the rules.
Company names - the rules
To make sure the name you choose is acceptable, work through this list before you send your application to Companies House. Ensure that:
- your company name ends with limited, or Ltd, public limited company or plc, for companies, or limited liability partnership, LLP or Welsh equivalents - this must not be used anywhere other than at the end of the name
- the name isn't offensive
- the name isn't the same as - or very similar to - one already in the register
- the name doesn't include any sensitive words or expressions - unless you have obtained permission to use them
The full version of these rules is given in the Companies House guidance booklets "Company Names" or "Limited Liability Partnership Formation and Names". You can call the Companies House Contact Centre on Tel 0303 1234 500 for a copy - alternatively, you can access these booklets on company names on the Companies House website - Opens in a new window.
Trade marks
You should check that your proposed name isn't too similar to a word or expression that someone else has registered as a trade mark. This isn't compulsory, but it could save time and trouble later on.
Complaints about company names
If someone objects to the choice of a company name, they can complain to the Company Names Tribunal at the Intellectual Property Office.
Objections to a name can be made on the basis that:
- it is similar to an existing company name being used by the person complaining
- its use in the UK could mislead by implying a connection to an existing company name
A complaint about a 'name' can apply to company names - including trade names, brand names and registered trade marks.
Find out about the Company Names Tribunal on the Intellectual Property Office website - Opens in a new window.
Find out whether your chosen name has already been registered as a trade mark on the Intellectual Property Office website - Opens in a new window.
Crown copyright, reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen's Printer for Scotland.
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Company names
