How to Check UK Company Name Availability to Register in the UK

After deciding to start a business, the first thing that comes to your mind is the business name. Considering 5.6 million businesses in the UK, you need to ensure your company name is unique. So, how do you ensure that the company name is unique? It is by checking the availability of a company name in the Companies House to avoid registering a name identical to another company.

The business name must conform to the standard set by the UK government. If not, your company name could be rejected by Companies House. To avoid last-minute disappointments, read the rules and regulations in this article.

Choosing Business Names, Rules, and Restrictions

The good news is that you can open a company name from any part of the world with the help of Incorpuk. However, when choosing the business name, you must adhere to these rules and restrictions. They are not limiting, meaning you won't have difficulty searching the name.

1. Your Company Name Shouldn't be Identical to an Existing Name in the List of Company Names.

To avoid unintentional or deliberate confusion to the customers, every registered company name should be unique and easy to distinguish from another. This means you're not supposed to register a name identical to an existing company. Additionally, the company name you choose must differ from an existing name, or it will easily confuse the public.

However, you may use a dissolved company name. More so, there are the same rules, and the following must apply.

• The company must be in the same group as the existing company
• The existing company should provide consent for the proposed business name
• During the incorporation application, you must include a written confirmation from the existing company proving consent of registration of a new business and it will be part of the group.

2. Using sensitive words and expressions

The company name search process prohibits using sensitive words and expressions. There are names you can't use in business; so require a no-objection written statement from the government and other specified organizations.

The rules and restrictions of the company name you register will not harm or mislead the public by:

• Suggesting the company's superiority, for example, including words like British, charity, royal, tribunal, etc.
• Implies the business has a connection with the UK government, local public authority, or a devolved authority, for example, the government of Scotland, police, etc. However, to get approval for using such names, check Schedule 2 regulations and find more about using specified names in a company name.
• The business should include something other than words representing regulated activities, for example, dental banking insurance.
• Your company name shouldn't have offensive words that can offend or constitute an offence. You can find The restrictions on using certain words on Schedule 1 of the business and company names.

Companies House has approval criteria for using sensitive and restricted words in Annex A, Annex B, and Annex C, respectively. If you intend to use prohibited words in your business name, ensure you have a supporting document, a letter, or an email of non-objection with your application documentation. If not, your proposed name may be rejected.

3. Your Company Name should Include Limited at the end of the Business Name

If you registered your company as limited by guarantee or private company limited, the name must end with limited. The Companies House adds the name limited automatically at the end of your company name in the incorporation process. However, if you registered it in Wales, it must end with Cyfyngedig'.

In case you want the word limited to appear in a specific format, for example, LTD, Limited, or in the Welsh language, include it in your application form.

Private companies limited by guarantee may request an exemption from the legal requirement to include the word "Limited" in their company name. This exemption is possible if their articles of association explicitly specify this intention if:

• The company's intentions are promotional or regulation of commerce, education, science, art, religion, charity, or a profession revolving around these objectives.
• If the company income is directed to promote these objectives
• Company members are prohibited from drawing return of capital or dividend payments.
• All assets of the company, which would typically be accessible to members and transferred during the company's dissolution, must be redirected to another entity with similar objectives or charitable aims.

4. Your Business Name mustn't Infringe an Existing Trademark

Trademark registration offers more protection than just registering a company name; you may not know this as a new company owner. You may not be alerted of trademark infringements during a company name search; hence, do a separate search. Trademark infringement may result in a lawsuit, and to avoid it, check through the trademark database to ensure your company name is not the same as any business registered under a trademark.

What else to Consider when Choosing a Business Name

Choosing a company name is also vital for marketing purposes. If you want your business to be successful, the business name should be:

• Easy to read, spell, and pronounce
• Distinctive
• Memorable
• Not have a negative word
• Have the ability to connect to your targeted market
• Look excellent on a logo
• Able to stand and stay relevant as your company grows

An ideal company name should reflect your brand personality, qualities, values, or benefits. But you must keep it simple. Remember, a complex name may backfire since it can confuse the public.

Linguistic and Negative Association Considerations

Most company owners must pay more attention to how others may interpret or perceive the name when choosing a company name. That's why it's crucial to test the name by asking different people for their opinions. Additionally, you may search for the name online to check its common associations.

Here are key considerations:

• Interpretation and meaning: What crosses their mind once people hear your company? Ensure the name conveys something positive and piques people's interest.
• Negative associations: your company name shouldn't be associated with an organization, people, or practice that could impact your brand image negatively.
• Pronunciation and spelling: can people pronounce your business name with ease? Ensure the name sounds great when said aloud in different accents.
• Lost in translation: the business name should also be relevant when translated into different dialects to avoid impacting your business negatively.
• Geographical references: avoid naming your business name with geographical name because this may limit your business when you want to expand it.
• Too limiting: choosing a company name that is too specific referencing one service or product could cause issues if you decide to diversify your business.

Remember, a business name should shape the first impression of your brand, so be cautious when creating one. An impeccable company name triggers the right conversations, thus generating interest in your business and paving the way for long-term success.

How do I Protect My Company Name?

After completing the business name search process, you should protect the company name best. Here are ways to protect your company

1. Register your company online via 1st Formations at £12.99, completed in a few hours by the Companies House.
2. Register your business domain name to secure a website and an email address. You can do this online using any domain name registrar.
3. The final step is to register the name as a trademark. This will protect your name, prohibiting other business owners from using it.

Do You Need Help Forming Your Company in the UK?

Incorpuk offers a range of fast and efficient online company formation services, that makes it easiest and cost effective to take your business global. Kindly contact incorpuk if you need any help on company formation services today.

Conclusion

Choosing a unique and compliant business name is crucial for starting a successful venture in the UK. Key steps include adhering to Companies House regulations, avoiding trademark infringements, and considering marketing aspects. Protect your chosen name by registering it promptly through reliable services, securing the associated domain, and obtaining trademark protection. Do you want help registering a company in the UK while abroad? Incorpuk is here to help you register a company today. Contact us now and enjoy diverse perks.