FAQ's on trade names


What is a company name?

A company name is the name under which a company or part of a company carries out its business; it could be a family name, fantasy name, descriptive name or any combination of these.

 

A company name usually serves to distinguish one company from another, thus functioning as a trade mark and can therefore be protected as such.

 

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Is registration of a company name compulsory?

A company name that is merely being used as a trade name does not need to be registered. If you wish to have a limited company, you must apply to register your company with Companies House.

 

For more information or an introductory appointment, without any obligation, please use the contact form below or call to speak to one of our professionals.

 

 

What is the difference between a trade name and the name stated in the articles of association?

The trade name is the name under which a company conducts its business transactions. A company can have more than one trade name.

 

The company name is the name stated in the articles of association.

 

For more information or an introductory appointment, without any obligation, please use the contact form below or call to speak to one of our professionals.

 

 

What are the requirements of a trade name?

A trade name must not:

 

  • contain a trade mark owned by another party.
  • be misleading as to the owner.
  • be misleading as to the legal structure of the business.
  • A trade name must not be misleading as to the nature of the business.

 

For more information or an introductory appointment, without any obligation, please use the contact form below or call to speak to one of our professionals.

 

 

Can a trade mark owner prevent the use of a company name?
Yes an earlier trade mark can prevent the use of a company name and can now be used to prevent the registration of a company name at Companies House. Conversely, without a reputation and goodwill a company name cannot be used to prevent the use and registration of a trade mark. 

 

For more information or an introductory appointment, without any obligation, please use the contact form below or call to speak to one of our professionals.