When starting a company in India, one of the first things you’ll want to do is choose a unique name. Checking if your chosen name is available is essential to avoid any legal issues and ensure that your brand is distinct. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to check company name availability online.
Before diving into the process, it’s essential to understand why checking your company name is crucial. The company name represents your brand and identity. By choosing a unique name, you:
Before you start the online name-checking process, keep these factors in mind:
Once you have a few names in mind, you can proceed with checking their availability through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal.
To begin, go to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) website. Here’s how to access it:
The MCA website provides various services for company registration and compliance. It’s the platform where all companies in India are registered and managed.
On the MCA homepage, you’ll see a menu with various options. To check the name availability:
In this section, you’ll find options like Company Registration, LLP Services, and Company Information. For our purpose, we’ll focus on name availability.
Under the MCA Services dropdown, you’ll see the ‘Check Company Name’ option. Here’s what to do next:
Now, you’re on the name search page where you can start checking if your chosen name is available. To do this:
After entering the name, proceed by clicking the ‘Search’ button.
The MCA portal will show the search results, indicating whether the name you entered is available or similar to an existing company name. Here’s how to interpret the results:
If your name is too close to an existing company name, try making it more unique by changing certain words or adding a specific term related to your business.
Sometimes, a simple variation of your chosen name may be available if the exact name is taken. Here’s how you can make slight changes:
Always remember to re-check each modified name using the steps above until you find an available one.
While the MCA website allows you to check the availability of company names, it doesn’t cover trademarks. To avoid legal issues and ensure exclusive rights to your company name, consider doing a trademark search as well:
This step is optional, but it’s highly recommended to prevent any trademark conflicts in the future.
If you’re sure about the name and want to secure it, you can reserve it for a period until your registration process is complete. Here’s how:
By reserving the name, you prevent others from claiming it while you complete the rest of the registration process.
To save time and ensure smooth registration, avoid these common mistakes:
Once you’ve checked the availability, performed a trademark search, and reserved the name, you’re ready to proceed with company registration. Here’s a quick overview of what to do next:
Choosing and securing a company name in India is a straightforward process if you follow each step carefully. By ensuring your name is unique, appropriate, and available, you can move forward confidently in establishing your business. Checking the availability of your company name through the MCA portal and performing a trademark search are vital steps that protect your brand and simplify your company registration journey.
Following these steps will help you avoid potential delays and ensure a smooth start for your business. Happy naming, and best of luck in your entrepreneurial journey
Q1. Why is it important to check company name availability before registration?
Ans1 Checking name availability helps avoid legal rejection during registration. If your chosen name is already taken or too similar to an existing one, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) will reject your application, delaying the entire process.
Q2. How can I check if a company name is available in India?
Ans2 You can visit the MCA website (mca.gov.in) and use the ‘Company Name Search’ tool under the MCA Services tab. Enter your proposed name to see if any existing companies or LLPs have similar names.
Q3. Is the MCA company name search tool free to use?
Ans3 Yes, the MCA’s company name search tool is completely free of cost. You can perform unlimited checks to find unique and compliant names before filing your application for company incorporation.
Q4. What makes a company name eligible or valid under MCA rules?
Ans4 The name must be unique, not identical or too similar to an existing name, and should not violate any trademark. It must also comply with Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 and should reflect your business activities.
Q5. Can I reserve a company name after checking availability?
Ans5 Yes, after confirming availability, you can reserve the name by filing RUN (Reserve Unique Name) on the MCA portal. If approved, the name is blocked for 20 days for a new company and 60 days for an existing company.
Q6. How many names can I propose in the RUN form?
Ans6 You can submit two proposed names (in order of preference) in a single RUN form. If both get rejected, you’ll need to file a fresh RUN form and pay the fees again.
Q7. What is the fee to apply for name reservation?
Ans7 The government fee for filing the RUN form is ₹1,000 per application. This fee is non-refundable even if the name is rejected, so checking carefully before applying is essential.
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