Company Name
It is important that persons forming companies satisfy themselves of the acceptability of the proposed name in advance of submission of documents to the CRO, bearing in mind that an objection may arise post-incorporation, which could result in the company being directed to change its name by the Registrar pursuant to section 23 Companies Act 1963. It is also possible to reserve a company name using CORE - www.core.ie
- please see Reserve Company Name page.
Where to check a company name
Applicants are advised to check that the name proposed is not similar to one already registered by checking the register of companies using the Company Search Facility.
The CRO does not check proposed company names against names on the business names register and the trade mark register. Applicants are, therefore, advised to check these registers to ensure that the proposed company name does not conflict with a business name or trade mark since any person claiming to have a right to that name could take a civil passing off action to protect his/her interest.
You can also check the register of business names free of charge, using the Company Search Facility.
You can undertake a search of the trade mark register at the Patents Office.
Reserve a Company Name
This service is only available online at www.core.ie. Registration with CORE is free. The name can be reserved for 28 days and the cost of this application is €25.00. See Reserve Company Name page for more information. You can check the suitability of a company name using this facility for free.
The CRO may have to refuse a name, if:
- it is identical or similar to a name already appearing on the register of companies;
- it is offensive;
- it would suggest state sponsorship.
Applicants are, therefore, advised not to incur expenses relating to the proposed name (e.g. preparing signs, headed note-paper, stationery, etc.) in advance of receipt of the certificate of incorporation which will be confirmation that the company is registered.
Guidelines
The following guidelines are to assist in assessing the acceptability or otherwise of company names:
- Names containing certain words cannot be used unless approved by relevant bodies. For example, the words "bank", "banker", "banking", "banc", may only be used with the permission of the Central Bank of Ireland. This also applies to names such as "hollybank", "sweetbank", "canal bank", "bancorp", etc. and the surname "Banks" not withstanding the fact that the company may not intend to carry on banking business.
- Words such as "insurance", "re-insurance" and "assurance" cannot be used, unless prior permission has been sought from and granted by the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Body. (IFSRA - www.ifsra.ie).
- Words such as "society", "co-op" or "co-operative" cannot be used unless prior permission has been sought from and granted by the Registrar of Friendly Societies.
- The words "University" "Regional Technical College" and "Institute of Technology" cannot be used unless permission has been sought from and granted by the Department of Education.
- If a name includes words which imply specific functions e.g. "holding company", "group" etc., further information may be required by the CRO to support the application.
- In the case of the word "Charity", further information may be sought by the CRO to support the application.
- The use of the word "standard" is prohibited.
Please see information leaflet 1 for more information.
Displaying the company name
Every business must paint or affix its name on the outside of every office or place in which the business is carried on, even if it is a directors home. The name must be both conspicuous and legible.
In addition, the company must state its name, in legible lettering, on company letter heads, order forms, invoices, etc. For further information on the statutory requirements, see Information Leaflet No.7, Company/Business Name Letterheads.
Incorporating a company with limited liability without including the word limited or teoranta in the company's name
The word limited or teoranta may be dropped from the company's name where the objects of the company will be the promotion of commerce, art, science, education, religion or charity. In addition, the company's memorandum or articles of association must state that:
- the profits of the company (if any) or other income are required to be applied to the promotion of the objects;
- payment of dividends to its members is prohibited;
- all assets which would otherwise be available to its members are required to be transferred on its winding up to another company whose objects are the promotion of commerce, art, science, religion or charity.
It should be noted, however, that a company which is exempt from the obligation to use the word limited or teoranta as part of its name is still obliged to show on its letters and order forms the fact that it is a limited company. For further information, see Information Leaflet No. 24 and Form G5.
Change of Company Name
Once incorporated, a company can change its name. Please see Change of Name page.
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