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In India, the process of name approval for a company involves obtaining clearance from the Registrar of Companies (ROC) for the proposed company name. The following steps outline the name approval process in India:
Conduct a name availability search: Check the availability of the proposed name by searching the Ministry of Corporate Affairs’ database and trademark database to ensure that the name is not identical or similar to an existing company.
File an application: Submit an application for name approval to the ROC, along with the proposed names in the order of preference.
Payment of fees: Pay the fees for name approval as prescribed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Name approval: Once the name approval application is processed, the ROC will inform the applicant of the name approval status. If the proposed name is approved, it will be valid for a period of 20 days.
Incorporation: If the proposed name is approved, the applicant must proceed with the incorporation of the company within 20 days.
It is important to note that certain restrictions apply to the naming of companies in India, such as the name cannot be identical or similar to an existing company and it should not contain any offensive or prohibited words.
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The name of a company should not be identical or similar to an existing company or trademark.
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The name should not contain any prohibited words or expressions as specified in the Companies Act 2013 or any other laws.
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The name should not be obscene, offensive, or contrary to public policy.
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The name should not suggest any connection with any government or governmental agency.
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The name should not contain the words “finance”, “investment”, “”, “Royal” etc. unless approved by the central government.
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If the company is a limited liability partnership, the name should contain the words “LLP” at the end.
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If the company is a private limited company, the name should end with the words “Private Limited”.
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If the company is a public limited company, the name should end with the words “Limited”.
It is important to note that the Registrar of Companies has the discretion to approve or reject a proposed name, even if it meets all of the above criteria.
About Rohit Lohade
Rohit Lohade is a Chartered Accountant with 15+ years of experience. He has assisted more than 300 Gobal Companies with India Entry Strategy