Business names

All forms of start-up business will require a name to trade under. A sole trader or partnership is entitled to trade using the names of the individuals involved in the business. They are also entitled to choose a business name to trade under provided that the name is not likely to cause confusion with an existing business or is not already subject to a trademark taken out by another business.

In the case of a limited company, the company will require a name to be registered at Companies House. Certain words are prohibited on the grounds that they are either offensive or would be misleading. If another company is already registered under than name then it will not be possible to use it.

Like a sole trader or a partnership a limited company can choose to trade under a name other than that registered at Companies House. This trading name would be subject to the same restrictions as are applicable to a sole trader or partnership. In addition, all paperwork produced by the company would need to clearly show the company's registered name and number alongside its trading name.

For more information please contact Simon Morris.