New Company Name Search | Check Company Name Availability in Online

The company founders usually have many original ideas for their company’s name. However, naming your company is much more than merely coming up with a catchy title. A good name will convey the essence and objectives of your company. It will support marketing oneself.

Naturally, doing a business name availability check is necessary for that. Ignoring this first step in launching a firm might result in problems with trademark infringement regulations, confusion in advertising, and a crisis in your brand identification. Fortunately, you can quickly determine if a potential company name is already used through some simple steps online. 

This article will guide you on how to check company name availability online and will shed some light on how to choose a new company name. 

What is a Company Name Search?

Company name search is the process of finding if the company name chosen is available and has not been taken up by any other existing business to avoid getting into legal problems later on. To begin with, however, you should make sure that the MCA database contains the name of your organization.

It takes a lot of work to find the ideal name for your company, which is why many founders and executive teams frequently consult naming consultants. One must take into account the regulatory framework that the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has established when naming the businesses. 

How to Check Name Availability for a Company? 

To check name availability for a company in India, follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the MCA Website

• Go to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) website OR you can search on the myHQ portal here
• Navigate to the MCA Services tab of this website.

Step 2: Under the “MCA Services” tab, select “FO Services.”

• Navigate the cursor to the “FO Services” section from the drop-down options”.

Step 3: Select “Check Company/LLP Name”

• Selecting the Check Company/LLP Name will open up a Captcha window.
• Enter Captcha. A new window will open with the “Enter Company/LLP Name” section. 
• Type in your proposed company name. 

Step 4: Submit and Review

• Click “Search Icon”.
• The system will show if the name is available or if there are similar names.

Step 5: Log in to MCA User Login / Registration

• Selecting the available name will take you to a new MCA User Login / Registration window.
• Enter your MCA User ID, Password, and Captcha, and log in successfully.

Step 6: Complete the registration process and wait for the approval.

Step 7: (OPTIONAL): One can also use the Reserve Unique Name(RUN) Service or SPICe Plus (INC-32) form

• Use the “Reserve Unique Name” (RUN) service or SPICe Plus (INC-32) form for a more formal search.
• Log in to your MCA account to access this service.
• Submit the proposed name and pay a nominal fee for a detailed check.

Step 8: (OPTIONAL): Consult Professionals

• Consider consulting a company secretary or legal expert for guidance.
• Ensure the name complies with the Companies Act, 2013, and relevant rules.

Why is a Company Name Approval Letter Important?

Once a company name has been selected following all of the rules and guidelines mentioned above, the Registrar of Companies (ROC) must approve it. It is a mandatory step for companies to get the ROC approval for using the name. The firm must register under the chosen name within 20 days, as the approval is valid only for that period. For this, one must apply for the same with the suggested names and the necessary costs. Any suggested name will be reserved by the ROC for use by the relevant company after it has been reviewed and approved. 

The process for ROC approval and name reservation has been fully digitalized. It facilitates the ease of applying to companies and the registration agency. For both parties, the process has now been made seamless with rapid, simple, and cost-effective means. 

10 Things to Keep in Mind While Choosing a Company Name 

Listed below are the 10 considerations that should be made when deciding on a name for your company name in India:

1. Complete Name Check: Verify that the name you are considering isn’t already being used by a trademark or another business. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs website allows you to instantly check the availability of names.

2. The availability of domain names: Verify that the name you choose can be used as a domain name for the website of your business.
   Example: “ExampleCompany.com” should be available if you plan to use it.

3. Uniqueness: Ensure the name is distinct and not similar to existing companies.

Example: Avoid names like “Tech Solutions Ltd.” if “Tech Solutionz Ltd.” already exists.

4. Pick Easy-to-Pronounce Names: Select a name that is simple to pronounce and recall. This makes it easier for clients to find and remember your business.
   Example: “QuickFix” is easier to remember than “RapidSolutionFixation.”

5. The Company Name Must Reflect Your Industry: When choosing a name for your company, take into account the nature of your enterprise. The name should reflect the nature of your business.

Example: “GreenGrocers” for a vegetable supply business.

6. Legal Compliance: Follow guidelines under the Companies Act, 2013.

Example: Avoid using prohibited words like “National” or “Bank.”

7. Trademark Check: Search the trademark database to avoid legal issues. Ensure the name is not trademarked by another entity.
   In India, one can check for trademarks through the Intellectual Property India Website.

8. Future Expansion: Choose a name that allows for future growth or diversification.

Example: “Fresh Foods” can expand beyond vegetables to other food products.

9. Cultural Sensitivity: Ensure the name is appropriate across different cultures and regions.

Example: Avoid names that may have negative connotations in other languages.

10. Avoiding Abbreviations: Use abbreviations sparingly, as they can be confusing.

Example: “ABC Corp” might not convey what the company does.

Company Name Approval Application Form

SPICe+ (or Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus) is an integrated web form that provides 10 services from 3 Ministries & Departments of the Central Government (Maharashtra State Government, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Labor, and Department of Revenue in the Ministry of Finance) and one State Government, saving as many steps, expenses, and time associated with starting a business in India. 

This is an extensive form for requesting name approval and other services associated with company incorporation in India. The Government of India’s numerous initiatives and commitment to Ease of Doing Business (EODB) include SPICe+.

It is a user-friendly interface for various registrations, reducing paperwork and processing time by combining multiple services like company name reservation, incorporation, DIN (Director Identification Number) allotment, and more. 

It has two parts namely Part A and Part B.

• Part A: Name reservations for new companies.
• Part B: Incorporation services including DIN, PAN, TAN, GSTIN, EPFO, ESIC, and professional tax (Maharashtra).

Official Instruction Kit for SPICe+
Instruction Kit for webform SPICe+ Part A (Name Reservation)	Official Instruction Kit
Instruction Kit for Form No. SPICe + Part B (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus)	Official Instruction Kit

Procedure to get a Company Name Approval

Listed below are the key steps to get company name approval:

Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search (Importance of Trademark Search)

By doing this, you can steer clear of possible legal conflicts and infringement accusations. Through this one can save the newly built company from expensive court cases and safeguard the name of the company. This can safeguard the brand’s identity i.e. the company’s performance is directly correlated with your brand identity.

Step 2: Check Availability on the MCA Portal

Through an easy-to-use portal, the MCA allows users to confirm whether company names are available. As stated before in this article:

1. Visit the MCA website at https://www.mca.gov.in;
2. Under the ‘MCA Services’ option, choose ‘FO Services’ and select ‘Check Company/LLP Name’ using the drop-down menu.

Step3: Fill out the SPICe Plus Form from the MCA website

To fill out the SPICe Plus form the steps are as follows:

1. Select the “Company e-Filing” option MCA Services section.
2. Then navigate the cursor through “Incorporation Services”.
3. From the options select the “SPICe+ Forms”.
4. Log in and continue filling in the requested information.

Step 4: Attachments Required

The attachments listed below are required to submit the SPICe+ forms:

1. The Articles of Association
2. Memorandum of Association
3. A declaration by the first subscribers and by the directors (It does not require an affidavit)
4. Proof of the address of the office (It can be a conveyance, lease deed, or rent agreement)
5. Utility Bills copy (The bill should be within 2 months)
6. A copy of the certificate of incorporation of the foreign body corporate
7. The resolution passed by the foreign company
8. A resolution passed by the promoter company
9. The interest of the first directors in other entities
10. Nominee’s consent
11. Identity proof and residential address of the subscribers and the nominees
12. Identity proof and residential address of Applicant I, II, and III
13. The resolution of the unregistered companies
14. Declaration in Form INC-14 and Form INC-15

Step 5: File the Name Approval Application (RUN Form)

The Reserve Unique Name or RUN service should be used by any applicant who wants to reserve a name of the company or modify an already-existing firm. After that, the Central Registration Center (CRC) will process this application. To file the Name Approval Application using the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) form, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your MCA account to access this service.
2. Submit the proposed name.

Step 6: Pay the Application Fee

1. Pay the applicable fee.
2. You’ll receive an email confirmation with the outcome of the application.

Step 7: Submit the form and await for approval.

Company Name Approval Letter Example

Sample Company Name Approval Letter Subject: Company Name Approval LetterDear [Recipient’s Name], We are pleased to inform you that the name of our company, [Your Company Name], has been approved by the relevant authorities. This letter serves as formal confirmation of the approval. Company Details:Company Name: [Your Company Name] Company Registration Number: [If applicable] Date of Approval: [Date] We have successfully met all the necessary requirements and submitted the required documentation. The approved name will be used in all official communications and documentation. Should you require any additional information or documentation, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. [Ministry of Corporate Affairs]

Starting a company comes with tons of tasks and legalities. Beginning with an idea till making it a brand, needs planning, implementation, and regular examinations. Amongst all these activities Naming Your Business or Company is usually an underrated action. It may seem easy to name a corporation, but there are many moving parts involved, particularly if those applying need to be made aware of the legal requirements, norms, and recommendations for selecting a legitimate name. Furthermore, it must follow the established procedure to be authorized and reserved with the relevant authority. 

However, the ‘Company Name’ will reflect the ideals and the motto for its existence. A company’s name should ideally be distinct from other words, even phonetically reflecting the vision, mission, and values of the company. To give the face to your company make sure to check the name availability today! 

FAQs on Company Name Search