How to Name?

?️ Naming Guidelines for Companies & LLPs in India

Why Naming Guidelines Matter?

• MCA strictly scrutinises proposed names
• Incorrect or non-compliant names lead to rejection & delay
• Trademark conflicts can cause legal disputes later
• Misleading names can attract penalties or forced name change

**? Hence, understanding the rules before filing is essential. **

A] Naming Guidelines for Companies (Private / Public / OPC)

1. Uniqueness of Name

• The proposed name must not be identical or too similar to:
  Existing Companies
  Existing LLPs
  Companies struck off in recent years

• Minor changes like plural words, punctuation, case changes, or spacing do not make a name unique

2. No Misleading or Deceptive Names

Names should not suggest activities that the company is not authorised to undertake.
Examples:

*Using “Finance” without financial activities
*Using “Manufacturing” for a purely service business

✔ The name must align with the main objects in MOA

3. Restricted Words & Regulatory Approvals

Certain words require prior approval from regulators, such as:

Word Used	Approval Required From
Bank / Banking	RBI
Insurance / Insurer	IRDAI
Stock Exchange	SEBI
Mutual Fund	SEBI
Venture Capital	SEBI

⚠️Without approval,the name will be rejected by MCA.

4. Government / Authority Related Words

Names implying association with:

• Central / State Government
• Local Authorities
• Statutory Bodies

❌ are not allowed unless specific approval is obtained.
Examples:

• National
• Government
• Authority
• Municipal
• Commission

5. Trademark Considerations

• Names should not infringe registered or applied trademarks
• MCA systems increasingly auto-flag trademark similarities
• It is strongly recommended to conduct a Trademark Search before name filing

Using a trademarked name without consent can lead to:

• Name rejection
• Legal notice
• Forced name change later

6. Offensive / Prohibited Names

Names must not:

• Be obscene or offensive
• Hurt religious sentiments
• Violate the Emblems & Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950

7. Suffix Requirement

Every company name must end with the correct suffix:

Type	Mandatory Suffix
Private Company	Private Limited
Public Company	Limited
OPC	(OPC) Private Limited

B] Naming Guidelines for LLP (Limited Liability Partnership)

1. Uniqueness & Non-Similarity

• LLP name must be distinct from:
  Existing LLPs
  Companies
• Phonetic similarity can lead to rejection

2. Mandatory Suffix

Eery LLP name must end with:
–“LLP” or “Limited Liability Partnership”
Without this suffix, MCA will not approve the name.

3. No Misleading or Prohibited Words

• Should not suggest government connection
• Should not indicate regulated activities without approval
• Should match the proposed LLP business activities

4. Trademark Compliance

Same as companies:

• Avoid trademarked names
• Consent required if trademark is owned by another entity

5. Offensive & Restricted Names

Same restrictions apply as for companies under applicable laws.

Name Reservation Process (MCA)

1. RUN Facility

• Name reservation is done through RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service on MCA portal
• Maximum 2 names can be proposed per application
• Once approved:
  Valid for 3 months for new incorporation

⏳ If not used within time → approval lapses.