Before starting a new business, choosing the perfect company name is one of the most exciting and important steps. However, ensuring that your chosen name is available and compliant with UK regulations is crucial. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to check a company name in the UK, why it’s necessary and what to do if the name is already taken.
4 steps to check if a company name exists in the UK
The first step in securing your company name is to confirm its availability. Here’s how you can check:
1. Use the Companies House name search
The first step is to check the official register of all incorporated businesses in the UK maintained by Companies House. Their name availability checker is free, quick and easy to use.
Visit the Companies House website
Enter your desired company name into the search tool
Look for exact matches or similar names that might cause confusion
Remember, a name that’s too similar to an existing company could be rejected during the incorporation process. Companies House also has specific naming rules, such as restrictions on offensive words and requirements for certain terms like 'Limited' or 'LLP'.
2. Check trademarks
Even if a name looks available on Companies House, it could still be protected by a trademark.
Visit the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) to perform a trademark search
Use the tool to check if your proposed name (or any key elements of it) is trademarked in your industry
💡Editor's insight: "Why is this step important? A name that infringes on an existing trademark could lead to legal disputes and financial penalties. It’s also vital to ensure your brand has clear ownership over its intellectual property."
3. Search domain name availability
In today’s digital-first business age, securing a matching domain name is almost as important as registering your company name.
Use domain search tools like Google Domains to check availability for your desired web address
Consider alternative domain extensions if the .com or .co.uk version is taken, but ensure they fit your brand’s goals
4. Google it
When in doubt, perform a thorough web search for your chosen name. This step helps uncover potential conflicts that might not appear in official databases. While a name might not be registered or trademarked, heavy use by other entities can dilute your brand identity or cause complications later down the line.
Why should you check a business name?
Ensuring your business name is unique and available is about more than legality, it can affect branding, credibility and operations. Here’s why it’s essential:
Avoid legal disputes: Registering a name already in use could lead to legal challenges or claims of trademark infringement.
Secure your branding: A unique name helps your business stand out and reduces the risk of customer confusion.
Smoother business registration: Checking name availability beforehand streamlines the business incorporation process.
Prevent operational hurdles: Using an unavailable name might result in losing access to domain names or social media handles essential for your business.
How do you register a company name?
Once you’ve confirmed your company name is available, the next step is registration. Here’s how you can officially secure it:
1. Incorporate your business with Companies House
The first step is to incorporate your business through Companies House. Incorporation formalises your business as a limited company and secures your chosen name. Here’s what you need to do:
Prepare the key documents: Draft a memorandum of association, which outlines the company’s structure, and submit your articles of association, which define the rules for running your company.
Provide basic details: You’ll need to submit the names of your directors, a registered company address and details of your company’s activities under the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes.
Register your business name: During the incorporation process, you’ll secure your company name and ensure it is unique to your business.
💡Editor's insight: "You can visit the Companies House website to complete your registration. In my experience, this process can be completed online in as little as 24 hours."
2. Register your trademark
Incorporating a business secures your company name legally for trade in the UK, but registering a trademark provides additional protection against unauthorised use. Here’s how to register a trademark:
Use the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) to search for existing trademarks and ensure your name, logo or slogan is unique
Submit your application online with details about the trademark and the business sector it applies to
What if your company name is taken?
Finding out that your desired name is already registered can be disappointing, but there are ways to adapt. Here are our top tips for businesses:
Modify the name: Slight variations like adding 'UK', 'Ltd' or other qualifiers can make your name unique. For example, 'Bluebird Consulting' could easily become 'Bluebird UK Consulting Ltd'.
Contact the current name holder: In some cases, the registered name may not be actively used. You can approach the owner to negotiate to purchase the name or domain rights.
Consider trademarks: If your desired name is not trademarked, you might still have a pathway to use it in specific contexts, but be sure to consult a legal expert to avoid disputes.
Do all UK companies have to be registered?
Not all businesses in the UK are required to register with Companies House. Here’s an overview of who is excluded and who isn't:
Sole traders | Sole traders don’t need to register a company name with Companies House, though they must register with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for tax purposes. They can operate under their personal name or a chosen business name, provided it complies with legal guidelines. |
Partnerships | Partnerships follow similar rules to sole traders. The business name must not infringe on existing trademarks or registered names. |
Limited companies | Registration with Companies House is mandatory for limited companies. This step formalises the business and ensures the exclusivity of the company name. |
How can I find other company information?
Beyond checking a company name, you may need to find additional details about a business. Here are a few methods:
Companies House register | Companies House provides comprehensive information on UK businesses, including incorporation date, director details, and financial statements. |
Public records | Local councils or government agencies may hold additional business-related data. |
Official websites and social media | Many businesses list key information like VAT numbers and contact details on their websites or social platforms. |
FAQs
How do I check company name availability in the UK?
Use the Companies House name search tool to check if a name is already registered. For additional checks, review trademarks and domain availability.
Can I use a similar name to an existing company?
Slight variations are allowed, but the name must not be misleading or infringe on trademarks. For example, adding 'Ltd' to an existing name might still cause legal issues.
What happens if I don’t register my company name?
For limited companies, registration is mandatory. Sole traders and partnerships don’t need to register with Companies House but must ensure their name complies with UK business naming laws.
Is there a fee to register a company name?
Yes, registering a name with Companies House will include a small fee. Here's the breakdown for 2024:
Service | Online | Paper |
|---|---|---|
Incorporation | £50 | £71 |
Change of name | £20 | £30 |
Same day change of name | £83 | X |
Can I change my company name after registration?
Yes, registered companies can change their name by passing a resolution and updating Companies House.
Are free domain checkers legit?
Free domain checkers are widely used, but it’s essential to approach them with caution. We'd suggest you cross-check domain availability using multiple reputable tools to ensure accuracy.
Final thoughts
Checking a company name in the UK is a critical step for starting a business. Whether you’re ensuring availability, protecting your brand, or complying with legal requirements, this process safeguards your company’s identity and credibility. By using tools like the Companies House name search checker, you can confidently move forward with your business plans.
If you need legal advice on starting a company, our small business solicitors are here to help.