Forming a Business

5. Choosing a Name

5.1 You can trade under your own name, or choose a different business name.

• A limited company can trade under its registered name or use an alternative name, provided that the ownership and limited liability of the business is disclosed.
• Partnerships can trade under the names of all the partners or a business name.

5.2 Businesses are not allowed certain names.

• Check that the name, or one close to it, is not being used by another firm in a similar line of business.
• Check the Companies House Index of Registered Limited Companies and LLPs at www.companieshouse.gov.uk/info, or get a company registration agent to do it. (This will not include names of sole traders or partnerships, or 'trading as' names).
• In addition, agents can check the Trade Marks Registry for names which have been registered as trade marks. You can also carry out a basic check of the registry yourself online on the Patent Office website.
• The name must not be misleading or offensive. Words such as 'International' may need to be justified.
• Certain words are prohibited. For example, 'British', 'Royal' and 'Group' unless their use can be qualified.