Company Naming Guidelines: A Complete Legal Framework
Under the Companies Act, 2013, a company’s name is its official legal identity. This guide covers initial name selection, MCA approval, and the process for renaming an existing company, ensuring alignment with legal standards and long‑term branding objectives.
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Importance of a Company Name
A company’s name serves as its legal identity. Under the Companies Act, 2013, naming follows strict regulations for selection, MCA approval, and any future renaming. The chosen name must comply with statutory norms while supporting branding and business goals.
Step 1: Board Meeting & Resolution
Issue a 7‑day notice to conduct a Board Meeting. Pass a resolution to:
• Authorize a name availability check
• Approve an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) for name change
Step 2: Name Availability Check
Conduct a name search through:
• MCA Name Search Tool
• Trademark Public Search Database
Step 3: RUN Form Filing
Submit the Reserve Unique Name (RUN) application via the MCA portal.
• Fee: ₹1,000 (for up to 2 name options)
• Attach Board Resolution if applicable (in case of name change)
• Approval validity: 20 calendar days
Step 4: Shareholder Approval
Conduct an EGM within the 20‑day approval validity period. Pass a Special Resolution to:
• Approve the proposed name
• Amend the MOA and AOA
Step 5: MCA Filings
• File Form MGT‑14 to register the special resolution within 30 days of the EGM (attach EGM notice, revised MOA and AOA).
• File Form INC‑24 for Central Government approval after MGT‑14 (attach EGM minutes and Board Resolution).
Step 6: Issuance of New COI
Upon approval, the Registrar of Companies (ROC) issues a revised Certificate of Incorporation (COI). The new name becomes effective immediately upon issuance.
Listicles
Mandatory Naming Norms
- Entity suffix requirements: • Private Companies: “Private Limited” or “Pvt Ltd” • One Person Companies (OPC): “OPC Private Limited” • Public Companies: “Limited”
Prohibited Name Elements
- Names identical or deceptively similar to existing companies or registered trademarks (including plural/singular variations)
- Generic or ambiguous terms (e.g., “Textile Company Pvt Ltd”)
- Personal names as prefixes (e.g., “Ankita Pvt Ltd”)
- Misleading legal structure terms (e.g., LLP, Trust, HUF)
- Words restricted under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950
Sector‑Specific Naming Requirements
- For financial sector entities, the name must reflect primary business activities (e.g., “Leasing Finance Pvt Ltd”)
- Chosen name must align with the Main Object Clause in the MOA
Restrictions on Name Change
- Cannot alter name if required annual returns are not filed
- Cannot alter name if in default for repayment of deposits or payment of debentures or related interest
Why Choose DoStartup for Name Change Registration?
End‑to‑end legal assistance from name availability check to filing MGT‑14 and INC‑24
Expert name vetting to ensure compliance with MCA and Trademark guidelines
Document preparation (board resolutions, EGM notices, MOA/AOA amendments) and timely filing
Dedicated compliance tracker and client support portal for on‑time filings
Hassle‑free communication with the ROC for approvals, clarifications, and follow‑ups