Two names, two sets of rules
Company & Trading Name Rules in the United Kingdom
Your registered company name is controlled by Companies House. Your trading name largely is not.
GCC business setup specialists
There is no register of trading names
A UK company can trade under a name completely different from its registered name, and there is no register of business names to apply to. What constrains you instead is the law of passing off, trademark infringement, and a duty to disclose the registered name on correspondence and premises. Meanwhile the registered name itself is governed by same-as and too-like rules and a list of sensitive words needing approval.
- Registered name cleared against the same-as and too-like rules
- Sensitive words identified before you submit
- Trading name risk assessed against existing trademarks
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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Know the difference
Registered name against trading name
Different rules apply to each.
| Registered name | Trading name | |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled by | Companies House | No register; general law applies |
| Must be unique? | Yes, under same-as rules | No, but infringement risk applies |
| Sensitive words | Require approval | Also restricted in some cases |
| Must appear on correspondence? | Yes | The registered name must be disclosed |
| Can be challenged? | By a name adjudicator or rights holder | By a rights holder |
| Suffix required | Limited or Ltd | No |
Name rules, the sensitive word list and the adjudication process are set by Companies House and change. Trademark risk is separate and is assessed against the trademark register.
How it works
Settling both names
Registered name cleared, trading name risk-checked.
01
Clear the registered name
Checked against the register under the same-as and too-like rules, and against the sensitive word list.
02
Risk-check the trading name
Checked against the trademark register, because no register protects you and infringement is the real exposure.
03
Incorporate and disclose
Company registered, and disclosure requirements on correspondence, premises and website set out so you comply from day one.
- Three proposed registered names, ranked
- The trading name you intend to use, if different
- Intended business activity
- Any trademark you already hold
- Any trademark conflict you are aware of
- Whether the name includes a sensitive word
- Whether it implies a connection with government
- Whether it includes a protected professional term
- Domain names secured
- Whether the name must match an overseas parent
- Markets where the brand trades
- Whether a name has been refused before
Scope
What is included, and what is not
Stated plainly, so nothing is added once the engagement starts.
Included in the service fee
- Register check under same-as and too-like rules
- Sensitive word identification
- Trademark register risk check on both names
- Guidance where approval or consent is needed
- Name filed at incorporation
- Change of name resolution and filing where needed
- Disclosure requirements explained
- Advice on trademark protection
Not included, quoted separately
- Companies House fees, paid at cost
- Consents for sensitive words
- Trademark registration, quoted separately
- Name adjudicator proceedings
- Domain name registration
- Brand and logo design
- Signage and stationery
- Disputes with rights holders
Verify independently
Relevant UK authorities
We file directly with these bodies on your behalf.
Companies HouseHM Revenue & CustomsFinancial Conduct AuthorityInformation Commissioner’s OfficeIntellectual Property OfficeInsolvency Service
Questions
UK company and trading names — FAQs
Do I have to register a trading name?
No. There is no register of business names in the UK. You may trade under a different name, subject to infringement risk and disclosure duties.
What are sensitive words?
Terms implying official status, regulated activity or particular standing, which require approval or supporting evidence before they can be used in a registered name.
What is the too-like rule?
Companies House may refuse or require a change where a name is too similar to an existing one. A clear register search before filing avoids it.
Can someone force me to change my name?
Yes. A name adjudicator or a trademark holder can challenge it, which is why we risk-check against the trademark register rather than just the company register.
Must I display the registered name?
Yes, on correspondence, your website and at your registered office, even when you trade under another name.
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More United Kingdom services
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