What are the \u2018same name\u2019 and \u2018too similar\u2019 rules<\/h3>\n
The Companies Act 2006<\/a> provides Companies House with the power to judge whether a proposed company name is the \u2018same as\u2019 or \u2018too similar\u2019 to an existing company name. Where it is, the Registrar can reject the name application.<\/p>\n The \u2018same name\u2019 rules do not mean that a company name has to be identical to an existing one to be rejected. This is because certain words, expressions, signs, and symbols intended to differentiate a proposed company name from an existing one may be disregarded if they are considered insufficient to distinguish the names from another one.<\/p>\n Our Fully Inclusive Package - the perfect way to form a company<\/span><\/a>\n \n For example, \u2018The Baking Company Ltd\u2019 would be deemed the same as \u2018Baking Company Ltd\u2019 because the word \u2018The\u2019 is disregarded.<\/p>\n Companies House will also reject applications where a company name is deemed \u2018too similar\u2019 to an existing name on the register. For example, \u2018Easy Cooking For You Ltd\u2019 may be deemed too similar to \u2018Easy Cooking 4U Ltd\u2019.<\/p>\n Companies House occasionally makes mistakes and allows a company with the same name or a similar name to be registered. In such instances, Companies House has the power to direct whichever company breached the rules to change its name.<\/p>\n The ‘same as’ rule may be waived if:<\/p>\n To check whether the name you want to use is already taken, you should use our online company name-checker<\/a>. This will enable you to establish if the company name you want is available for use or if it is already taken and listed on the Companies House register.<\/p>\n A business name, sometimes referred to as a trading name, is an alternative name that a company may use when it doesn’t want to operate under its official registered name. This type of name does not have to be listed on the public register at Companies House because business\/trading names are not subject to the \u2018same as\u2019 rules.<\/p>\n Changing the name of your company<\/span><\/a>\n \n You can use as many business\/trading names as you like, but you should avoid using one that is the same as the registered name of a company in the same industry. This could be viewed as \u2018passing off\u2019, which would mean you were taking advantage of a company\u2019s goodwill and trust. Passing off could lead to civil court proceedings being filed against your company for misrepresentation.<\/p>\n Similarly, you should take care not to infringe any registered trademarks when choosing a company name or business\/trading name, so it is advisable to search the\u00a0trademarks register<\/a>\u00a0beforehand.<\/p>\n What if a company already has the same name as another company?<\/h3>\n
Are there any circumstances when I can use the same name as another company?<\/h3>\n
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How do I check if the company name I want is already taken?<\/h3>\n
If your company name is already taken, consider a business (or trading) name<\/h3>\n
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