Before registering a company name, check it is available and will not be rejected or challenged. Companies House only blocks identical names, but existing companies can object to names that are too similar.
- Step 1 - Check the register
- Use the free Companies House name availability checker to search for identical names. The tool strips punctuation, spacing, and common words ('the', 'and', 'company') when comparing.
- Step 2 - Check trademarks
- Search the IPO trademark register at gov.uk/search-for-trademark. A registered trademark owner can force you to change your name even if Companies House accepted it.
- Step 3 - Check domain names
- Search for matching .co.uk and .com domains. Register them before incorporating to prevent others acquiring them.
- Step 4 - Check social media
- Search major platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, TikTok) for your proposed name. Consistent naming across channels strengthens your brand.
- Step 5 - Check restricted words
- Review the sensitive words list. If your name includes a restricted word, obtain approval before applying or your application will be rejected.
- Same-as rules
- Companies House treats names as identical after removing punctuation, accents, 'the', 'and', 'company', 'limited', and 'ltd'. So 'The Smith Company Limited' and 'Smith Ltd' are considered the same name.
- Similarity objections (s.69)
- A person with goodwill in a name can object if your company name is the same or sufficiently similar and likely to mislead the public. Section 69 sets no fixed objection deadline. The Company Names Tribunal can order you to change your name.