The Registrar checks trademarks
Company Name Reservation in India
An Indian name application is checked against the trademark register as well as the company register.
GCC business setup specialists
Two registers, one application
Many jurisdictions check only whether a company name is already taken. India goes further: a proposed name resembling an existing registered trademark can be refused, and an application that ignores the trademark register wastes the attempt. Separately, certain words implying national or state connection, or regulated activity, require central government approval. Checking both registers before applying is what makes the application succeed first time.
- Both the company and trademark registers checked before applying
- Restricted words identified so approval is sought where needed
- Alternatives submitted together to avoid a second attempt
20+
Mainland, free zone and offshore jurisdictions we file in — so the recommendation is based on your activity, not on which authority we happen to be registered with.
7,000+
Companies successfully established.
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What gets refused
Why an Indian name application fails
Trademark resemblance is a common cause.
| Reason | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Resembles an existing company | Identical or deceptively similar names refused. |
| Resembles a registered trademark | Refused without the proprietor’s consent. |
| Restricted words | Require central government approval. |
| Implies state connection | Refused without authority. |
| Inconsistent with the objects | Queried where the name implies another activity. |
| Undesirable wording | Refused outright. |
Name availability rules, trademark resemblance tests, restricted word lists and approval requirements are set by the authorities and change, and a reservation is time-limited.
How it works
Reserving the name
Both registers, then one application.
01
Search both registers
Company register and trademark register searched, so a name that resembles a registered mark is not submitted.
02
Identify restricted words
Any word requiring central government approval flagged, so the right route is taken rather than a refusal received.
03
Reserve and carry through
Name reserved within the integrated application, and used in the constitution and every registration that follows.
- Two or more proposed names, ranked
- The main objects of the company
- Any trademark you already hold in India
- Whether you hold the mark internationally
- Whether the name matches an overseas parent
- Consent from a trademark proprietor, if relevant
- Whether the name includes a restricted word
- Whether it implies a regulated activity
- Domain names secured
- Any name previously refused
- Markets where the brand trades
- Whether a suffix is required
Scope
What is included, and what is not
Stated plainly, so nothing is added once the engagement starts.
Included in the service fee
- Company register search
- Trademark register search for resemblance
- Restricted word identification
- Central government approval route where needed
- Name reservation within the integrated application
- Alternatives submitted together
- Name carried into the constitution and registrations
- Advice on trademark protection
Not included, quoted separately
- Government fees, paid at cost
- Central government approval decisions
- Trademark registration, quoted separately
- Obtaining consent from a trademark proprietor
- Domain name registration
- Brand and logo design
- Signage and stationery
- Disputes with prior rights holders
Verify independently
Official Indian authorities
We file directly with these bodies on your behalf.
Reserve Bank of IndiaMinistry of Corporate AffairsRegistrar of CompaniesIncome Tax DepartmentAuthorised dealer banksController General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks
Questions
India company names — FAQs
Why does the Registrar check trademarks?
Because a company name resembling a registered trademark can be refused. Applications that consider only the company register frequently fail for this reason.
What if a registered mark resembles my name?
Consent from the proprietor can resolve it, or a different name is needed. The search tells us before the application is made.
Which words need approval?
Words implying national or state connection or regulated activity require central government approval, which takes additional time.
Does name reservation protect my brand?
No. It lets you incorporate. Trademark registration is what protects the brand, and it is a separate filing.
How long is a reservation valid?
It is time-limited and incorporation should follow within the window, otherwise the name must be reserved again.
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