How to Check PVT LTD Company Name Availability?
Choosing the right name for your Private Limited (Pvt Ltd) company is one of the first and most crucial steps in the business registration process. However, before finalizing a name, it’s important to ensure that it’s available and compliant with legal guidelines. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of checking the availability of a Pvt Ltd company name, primarily focusing on India, while also covering general guidelines applicable in other countries.
Why is Company Name Availability Important?
Ensuring that your desired Pvt Ltd company name is available and not already in use is crucial for:
- Legal Compliance: Registering a company with an existing name is prohibited.
- Brand Identity: Your company name is integral to branding and customer recognition.
- Trademark Registration: An available name is essential for securing trademarks and protecting intellectual property.
Steps to Check Pvt Ltd Company Name Availability in India
1. Understand the Naming Rules and Guidelines
Before checking the availability of a company name, it’s important to be familiar with the guidelines set by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) in India:
- Unique and Distinct: The proposed name should be unique and not identical to existing company names.
- No Generic Terms: Names cannot include generic terms that describe the company’s industry (e.g., “Technology”).
- No Infringement: The name must not infringe upon trademarks or registered names.
- Proper Use of Suffixes: The name should end with “Private Limited” or “Pvt Ltd” as per compliance.
2. Use the MCA Portal for Name Availability Search
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal provides a straightforward tool to check name availability:
- Visit the MCA website: Go to mca.gov.in.
- Navigate to ‘MCA Services’: Under the ‘MCA Services’ menu, select ‘Check Company Name’.
- Enter the Proposed Name: Type in the name you wish to use for your Pvt Ltd company.
- Review Search Results: The system will show if the name is available, reserved, or similar to existing names.
3. Check Name Availability Using the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) Service
If your name appears to be available after the initial search, you can proceed with the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service on the MCA portal:
- Log into the MCA portal using your credentials.
- Navigate to the RUN service under ‘MCA Services’.
- Enter two name options: You can propose two names in order of preference.
- Pay the Name Reservation Fee: A fee is required to process the request.
- Receive MCA Approval or Rejection: MCA will approve or reject the name, usually within 2-3 days.
4. Verify Trademark Availability on IP India Website
To ensure your proposed name doesn’t infringe on trademarks, check the IP India website for trademark availability:
- Visit the IP India website: ipindiaonline.gov.in.
- Go to the Trademark Search Section.
- Enter the Proposed Company Name to check for registered trademarks that could conflict with it.
- Review Results: Ensure that the name or similar variants are not already trademarked.
5. Check Domain Name Availability
To maintain consistency in branding, it’s advisable to check the availability of a domain name that matches your proposed company name:
- Visit domain registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains.
- Search for the proposed domain name (e.g., “yourcompanyname.com”).
- Secure the Domain: If available, consider registering the domain to prevent others from using it.
Tips for Choosing a Suitable Pvt Ltd Company Name
- Keep it Simple and Memorable: Aim for a name that’s easy to spell, pronounce, and remember.
- Reflect Your Business Nature: Choose a name that aligns with your business activities or industry.
- Avoid Abbreviations and Jargon: Use clear, descriptive words that convey the nature of your business.
- Check Linguistic Compatibility: If you plan to operate internationally, ensure that the name has positive connotations in other languages
International Variations for Checking Company Name Availability
1. United States
- Use the Business Entity Search tool available on state-specific Secretary of State websites or through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for trademark checks.
2. United Kingdom
- Visit the Companies House website to search for available company names.
- Use the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) for trademark search.
3. Australia
- The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) website allows users to check for name availability.
- Check for trademarks on IP Australia.
Conclusion
Checking the availability of a Pvt Ltd company name is a vital step in the registration process, ensuring legal compliance and protecting your brand identity. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently select a unique and suitable name for your company, setting the foundation for successful registration and branding.
FAQs on Pvt Ltd Company Name Availability
What is the fee for name reservation in India?
The MCA charges a nominal fee for the RUN service, typically around ₹1,000.
How long is the reserved name valid for?
Once approved, the reserved name is valid for 20 days. You must initiate company incorporation within this period.
Can I reserve more than one name at a time?
Yes, you can propose up to two names through the RUN service, increasing your chances of approval.
What if the proposed name is rejected?
You will receive reasons for rejection and can reapply with a modified name.
