How to Check Company Name Availability In India

Choosing a company name is an important step, as it is the first in the company’s formation. Before starting your business, this will reduce the future pain of having the application rejected by the authorities.

In India, checking the availability of a company name online can be done in a few different ways. Before incorporating a company, you must first choose a company name and check company availability.

Choose the name wisely, and then check the company name properly. You must conduct a company name search on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal.

In this blog, we can check out how we do company name searches in a few different ways.

What Is a Company Name Availability?

Before registering a company, it’s important to check if the name you’ve chosen is available or not. A company name search helps you verify whether the name is already in use or registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). This step ensures that your chosen name is unique, doesn’t conflict with existing businesses or trademarks, and follows the legal guidelines set by the authorities.

There is a proper set of rules that you have to comply with before checking the name’s availability.

Steps to Check Company Name Availability Online

For checking company name availability in India, there are many ways to check company availability.

MCA Portal

1. Access the MCA Portal: Visit the MCA portal at www.mca.gov.in.

2. Navigate to 'Check Company/LLP Name' Service:

• Hover over the 'MCA Services' tab.
• Select 'FO Services' from the dropdown menu.
• Click on 'Check Company/LLP Name’.

3. Enter the Proposed Name:

• Input your desired company name into the search bar.
• Ensure the name adheres to MCA guidelines, avoiding prohibited or restricted words.

4. Submit and Review Results:

• Enter the displayed captcha for verification.
• Click on the search icon or tap the Enter key to proceed.
• The system will display whether the name is available or if there are existing companies with similar names.

Professional Assistance 

Check business name availability and get assistance from professionals at JustStart. They have an experienced and qualified team of professionals who, on your behalf, check company name availability online and help you get company registration smoothly and without any failures.

Guidelines For Choosing a Unique Company Name

The Companies Act, 2013, defines the naming guidelines for companies (i.e., Private limited company registration, one-person Company, limited company, and Limited liability partnership). The name should be unique and desirable.

The following are the guidelines for choosing your company name.

1. The proposed name should not be identical to or similar to an existing company name.

For better understanding, we can take a few examples step by step.

• Joining words or separating words: Joining words or separating words in the company name doesn’t make a unique name.

For instance, AROMA SIGMA PRIVATE LIMITED is a registered company; if we apply with AROMA SIGMA PRIVATE LIMITED, then this name will not be allowed. Any changes to this name will not be allowed.

• Pronunciation or spelling variations: If the pronunciation is the same, spelling variations will be there, and the name will also be rejected.

For instance, Monika Industries Limited is a registered company; if we have to apply with Monika Industries Limited, then the name will not be allowed.

• Misspelled words to get name approval: Intentionally, if we apply with misspelled words, then the chances of getting name approval will be less.

For example, if you apply with the name FURRIOUS GAMES PRIVATE LIMITED, you will be rejected because you used a misspelt word.

1. Addition of common names: The addition of common names such as Shree, Shri, Nav, Om, Jai New, and Modern doesn’t make a unique name.
2. Proposed names should not be undesirable, such as Emblems and Name Act, Violates Trademark, and Offensive Words. These should not be used in the Company Name.
3. Other conditions, like if companies are engaged in the business of chemicals, mean that the name should be according to the business activities pursued.
4. A commission, Authority, undertaking, Union, Federal, President, Financial, Nation, Municipal, Panchayat, Bharat, Forest, statute, or scheme requires central government approval.

These are some guidelines for choosing the name of the company.

Company Name Selection: Do’s & Don’ts to Avoid Rejection

For startups, keep things easy and simple. There are some major dos and don’ts when choosing the name of the company-

Documents Required for Company Name Search

There are a couple of vital docs and information that you ought to get ready prior to the confirmation of your business name. These papers serve as proof of your identity, and they very much guarantee a problem-free name approval process with the Registrar of Companies (ROC).

1. Identity Proof of Directors and Shareholders

The ID proof shall consist of a government-issued document such as a PAN card (Indian nationals are required to provide this) or a passport (in the case of foreign nationals). This step is very helpful for the authorities in establishing the identity of the person applying for the name approval.

2. Address Proof of Directors and Shareholders

You could submit utility bills that are not older than 2-3 months, bank statements, or Aadhaar cards as proof of address. The document provided should not be older than two to three months.

3. Proposed Company Names (Minimum Two Options)

You are required to present at least two name options that comply with MCA naming guidelines. The availability of alternatives permits rapid processing if your first option is not available.

4. Business Activity Details

The ROC will need a short description of the main objectives of your business. This step is necessary for the ROC to know if the name is in line with your company’s proposed activities.

5. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

And if you're going for the SPICe+ form for name permission, at least one director's DSC will be required for e-filing.

6. Trademark Search Report (Optional but Recommended)

It is always a good move to check the proposed name for similarity with any registered trademark before making a final decision. A trademark report prevents you from having to deal with disputes and rejection in future trademark registration.

Important Note:

Always verify that the name you selected meets MCA’s naming criteria, is not already used, is meaningful, and is easy to remember. A thorough check during the company name search process not only saves time during the registration process but also helps you create a strong brand identity right from the start.

Why Choose JustStart for Company Name Check?

JustStart is a team of qualified professionals who can help you select the perfect name for your business after checking with their years of experience and expertise in it. We have a huge database of already registered business names, so be sure to find the right one for your business by getting it registered with us.

In addition, we offer a wide range of services to help you in the future with every aspect of setting up and maintaining your company, building your brand, importing or exporting, etc.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is a company name search?
A company name search is a process by which one checks the availability of the new business name and whether the name conforms to the rules established by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). It not only prevents naming conflicts but also guarantees that the name of your company is original and legally recognized.

2. Why is it important to do a company name search before registration?
A name search will help you avoid rejection in the registration process. It assures that the name you choose is not already in use, licensed, or so similar to another one that it could cause confusion. This step is time-saving as well as brand-protecting.

3. How can I check if a company name is available in India?
The company name availability can be checked online through the MCA’s RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service or along with the SPICe+ form while your company’s registration is being processed. These tools actually indicate whether the name you want is free or has already been taken.

4. What are the basic rules for selecting a company name?
A company name should be unique, meaningful, and should tell about the business activity. It should not have any offensive words, government terms, or names that are exactly the same as or too similar to those of current companies or trademarks.

5. How many names can I apply for at once?
While availing of the RUN service, you can submit a request for two names maximum in a single application. If the first name gets rejected, the second one will be automatically considered.

6. Can I reserve a company name before registration?
Absolutely, you can secure a company name in advance using the RUN or SPICe+ form offered by the MCA. After approval, the name is kept on hold for 20 days (in case of new companies) or 60 days (for companies already in existence but changing the name).

7. What happens if my proposed company name gets rejected?
When the MCA has decided to reject your name, they normally give a reason. After that, you can either reapply with the necessary corrections or go for a new name entirely, just make sure it adheres to the specified rules.

8. Is it necessary to check trademark availability before finalizing a name?
Yes, it is highly advisable. A name might be available on the MCA portal but at the same time, it could have been registered as a trademark by someone. A trademark search will keep you away from a lawsuit down the road.