{"id":11460,"date":"2024-01-27T12:56:42","date_gmt":"2024-01-27T12:56:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/?p=11460"},"modified":"2024-05-01T00:15:19","modified_gmt":"2024-04-30T23:15:19","slug":"company-names-sensitive-words-and-expressions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/company-names-sensitive-words-and-expressions\/","title":{"rendered":"Company names – sensitive words and expressions explained"},"content":{"rendered":"
Sensitive words and expressions are those that require prior approval before they can be included in a company name, an LLP name, or a business name. Controls on these words and phrases exist due to their potential to mislead or cause harm to the public if used inappropriately.<\/p>\n
Whether you are planning to set up a limited company or limited liability partnership (LLP), register as a sole trader, or form a traditional business partnership, you should familiarise yourself with the rules on sensitive words before settling on a name.<\/p>\n
Various rules and restrictions apply to company and LLP names, as well as business names or ‘trading’ names, including the use of certain words and expressions deemed ‘sensitive’ in nature or meaning. It is important to bear this in mind when choosing a name for your business or organisation.<\/p>\n
Broadly, sensitive words and expressions are particular words that may:<\/p>\n
The rules are essentially designed to prevent businesses from giving false or ambiguous impressions (deliberately or unintentionally) about what they do and who they are associated with. Their purpose is to ensure that the public is not likely to be misled or harmed by the inappropriate use of sensitive or restricted words in a name.<\/p>\n
Sensitive words and expressions are set out in The Company, Limited Liability Partnership and Business Names (Sensitive Words and Expressions) Regulations 2014<\/a>.<\/p>\n Schedule 1 of the regulations covers 134 sensitive words that require approval from the Secretary of State for use in the names of companies, limited liability partnerships, and businesses. Part 2 of the schedule sets out words and expressions that require prior approval only when used in the names of companies and LLPs.<\/p>\n Schedule 2 of the regulations contains the list of the Government departments and other specified bodies whose views must be sought on a case-by-case basis prior to the use of those words.<\/p>\n Part 2 of Schedule 2 identifies the Government department or public authority whose view must be sought in circumstances where the situation of a company\u2019s or LLP\u2019s registered office address<\/a> is relevant.<\/p>\n