Update on company names

19/October/2009

Company names

Confusion continues to surround the new rules in the 2006 Act concerning company names and, in particular the "same as" rules.

Whilst Companies House systems, along with Jordans own, are correctly interpreting them it has become apparent that the new rules are not really working when it comes to practical application.

To this end, Companies House have advised us that their Policy team are now working to resolve this in conjunction with BIS and are now awaiting new rules to be set so that they can make them work as they should.

We therefore await further news from BIS and Companies House on this subject. In the meantime, clients are advised to be extra vigilant in checking proposed company names and we would suggest that if there is any doubt at all it is probably best at this time to try to find an alternative name.

Further reading:

Companies House guidance notes