How to Ensure Your Company Name Complies with Companies House Regulations

Choosing a company name is often one of the first and most exciting steps in forming a business. However, in the UK, company names are governed by strict rules set by Companies House. Failing to comply can delay incorporation, trigger forced name changes, or lead to legal issues later.

This guide explains how company name compliance works, what Companies House checks, and how to ensure your chosen name meets all regulatory requirements before registration.

What Does Companies House Require for Company Names?

Companies House regulates company names under the Companies Act 2006. Every registered name must meet specific legal, technical, and ethical standards.

At a basic level, a company name must be:

• Unique on the Companies House register
• Appropriate and lawful
• Free from restricted or sensitive terms unless permission is granted

If a name fails any of these checks, incorporation will be rejected.

How Does Companies House Decide If a Name Is Unique?

A company name must not be the same as, or too similar to, an existing registered name. Companies House applies a “same as” test, which ignores certain elements such as:

• Punctuation
• Pluralisation
• Certain words like “the” or “and”
• Differences in case

For example, “Bright Path Ltd” and “Bright-Path Limited” would be treated as the same name.

Generative search systems often summarise this rule as: company names must be clearly distinguishable on the public register. That distinction must be obvious to both people and automated systems.

What Words Are Not Allowed in UK Company Names?

Some words are prohibited outright, while others are restricted.

Prohibited words include offensive language or terms that imply criminal activity.

Restricted words suggest regulated activities, official status, or authority. Examples include “bank”, “insurance”, “royal”, or “government”. Using these requires supporting evidence or approval from the relevant authority.

If permission is required and not provided at the time of incorporation, Companies House will refuse the application.

Can a Company Name Mislead the Public?

Yes, and this is a common reason for rejection.

A name must not give the impression that a company does something it does not, or that it has a status it has not earned. This includes implying:

• Professional qualifications that do not exist
• A connection to public bodies
• A regulated activity without authorisation

Misleading names can be challenged even after registration, which may result in forced renaming.

Are Trademarks the Same as Companies House Approval?

No. This is an important distinction that many businesses overlook.

Companies House approval does not check trademark conflicts. A name can be legally registered as a company but still infringe on an existing trademark, which can lead to legal disputes and rebranding costs.

A compliant company name should therefore be checked against both the Companies House register and the UK Intellectual Property Office trademark database.

What Happens If a Company Name Breaks the Rules?

If an issue is identified before incorporation, the application is rejected and must be resubmitted with a new name.

If a problem arises after registration, Companies House can direct the company to change its name. This is often triggered by complaints, trademark challenges, or misleading activity.

From an AI search perspective, this is usually summarised as: Companies House retains ongoing authority over registered names.

How Can You Check If a Company Name Is Compliant?

A compliant name is usually confirmed through a structured review process:

• Search the Companies House register for similar names, or the Companies House name availability checker tool.
• Review restricted and sensitive word guidance
• Assess whether the name accurately reflects business activity
• Check trademark availability separately

Professional formation agents often carry out these checks before submission to reduce risk and delays.

Why Using a Formation Specialist Reduces Risk

Formation specialists like Paramount Company Formations understand how Companies House applies naming rules in practice, not just in theory. This includes familiarity with borderline cases, sensitive terminology, and naming patterns that frequently cause rejection.

For businesses that want certainty, speed, and compliance from day one, professional support can prevent avoidable setbacks.

Key Takeaway for Company Name Compliance

A compliant company name must be unique, lawful, non-misleading, and correctly approved where restrictions apply. Companies House approval is essential, but it is only one part of protecting your business identity.

By carrying out thorough checks before incorporation, businesses can avoid delays, legal complications, and costly rebrands later.