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A:To reserve a company name, you need to register a limited company with that name. This will stop anyone else from using the same or a similar name for their limited company. Check the availability of your company name before you register it.

A:To find out if your company name is available to use, you can use our free tool that checks the official register of company names in the UK. It is quick and simple to use and gives you an instant answer. Just type in your desired company name and click “Search Availability”. If your name is taken or too similar to another name, you may have to look for other options.

A:Your company name must be unique and not too close to another registered company name. You also need to add “Limited” or “Ltd” at the end of your name if you are a limited company (they mean the same thing). You cannot use words or expressions that are sensitive, offensive, or inappropriate, or that suggest a link to the government or local authorities, unless you have permission. Your name will not be accepted if it breaks these rules.

A:Some words are prohibited in a company name. For example, any words that are offensive or illegal. A company name must not give a false impression of its business activities in a way that could harm anyone.

Words and expressions that need approval. There are some words and expressions that are not always banned in a company name but require approval from the relevant authority. Usually, these words and expressions are related to the government or public body, such as “Queen”, “King”, “Royal”, “Police”, “Law Commission” etc.

Words and expressions that are regulated by other laws. For example, you cannot use the word “charity” without the permission of the Charity Commission. Companies House oversees the use of all words and expressions that need approval or are regulated and your company will not be registered if the rules are not followed.

A:Yes, you can be exempt from using the word “Limited” or “Ltd” in a company name if you meet certain conditions. These conditions are:

• Your company is a private company limited by guarantee
• Your company’s articles of association state that:
  • The company’s objects are the promotion or regulation of commerce, art, science, education, religion, charity or any profession
  • The company’s income is applied to promoting its objects
  • The company does not pay dividends to its members
  • The company requires its members to contribute to its assets if it is wound up

If you meet these conditions, you can apply to Companies House for an exemption from using the word “Limited” or “Ltd” in your company name. You will need to provide evidence of your company’s objects and activities, and a copy of your articles of association. Companies House will review your application and grant or refuse the exemption. If the exemption is granted, you can omit the word “Limited” or “Ltd” from your company name on your stationery, signage, website and other documents. However, you must still include the word “Limited” or “Ltd” on your certificate of incorporation and any other official documents issued by Companies House.

A:A business or trading name is a name that a company uses to carry out its business activities, other than its registered company name. A company can have more than one business or trading name, and it can use different names for different products or services.

A business or trading name is not a legal entity and does not have any separate rights or obligations from the company that owns it. A company must always display its registered company name on its official documents and communications, such as invoices, contracts, letters and emails. A company must also disclose its registered company name and number whenever it uses a business or trading name.

A company does not need to register its business or trading name with Companies House, but it must follow certain rules when choosing and using a name. A business or trading name must not:

• Be the same as or too similar to an existing company name or trade mark
• Be offensive or misleading
• Contain any sensitive words or expressions that require approval or are regulated by other laws
• Imply a connection with the government or public authority without permission

A company can protect its business or trading name from being used by others by registering it as a trade mark with the Intellectual Property Office. A trade mark is a sign that distinguishes a company’s goods or services from those of others. A trade mark can be a word, logo, slogan, shape, colour, sound or any combination of these. A trade mark gives the owner the exclusive right to use the sign for the goods or services it covers, and to take legal action against anyone who infringes it.

A:A trade mark is a sign that distinguishes your name or brand from others. A trade mark gives you exclusive rights to use the sign for your goods or services. A registered company name does not automatically give you trade mark rights. You need to register your company name as a trade mark separately if you want to protect it from others.

To register a trade mark, you need to fill in and send a trade mark application form with the required documents and fees to the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

The application form will ask for specific information about your company, such as what you want to register. For example, a logo, words, or an image. The IPO will check your application and see if it meets the legal criteria. The registration process can take a few months before you get a registration certificate.

You can also register your company name and/or trading name as a domain name to secure your right to use it online.