Sensitive Words in Company Names
Selecting a company name is not always as easy as you
may first think. In addition to the fact that there are
approximately 2 million names in use on the register,
Companies House has a list of words or expressions that
they deem to be ‘sensitive’
The following words imply national or international pre-eminence:
British - approval of this word in your company name will
depend on how it is used. Normally the Secretary of State
would expect the company to be British owned. You would
need to show that the company is pre-eminent in its field
by providing supporting evidence from an independent source
such as a Government department or a trade association.
If the word 'British' is qualified by words that do not
describe an activity or product, for example by using
a 'made-up' word, then evidence of pre-eminence is not
necessarily essential. But you would be expected to show
that your company is substantial in relation to its activity
or product and that it is eminent in its own field.
England, English, Scotland, Scottish, Wales, Welsh, Ireland
or Irish - if you wish to use these words as a prefix
to your company name, the rules are similar to those for
'British'. You will usually be given approval to use any
of these words as a suffix if you show that the company
has its main place of business in the country concerned.
For example, the company name IT DEVELOPMENT SCOTLAND
LIMITED would most likely be allowed if the business is
based in Scotland. However, the company name SCOTTISH
IT DEVELOPMENT LIMITED would be rejected as it implies
pre-eminence. If you want to use one of these words because
it is a surname, you will usually be given approval if
the company name includes forenames or initials. Therefore
if your name is John England, the company name J ENGLAND
ASSOCIATES LIMITED would be OK.
European - names which include this word will not be approved
if they unjustifiably imply a connection with official
bodies of the European Union. If there is a genuine connection
with an official body, the name may be allowed if the
appropriate body supports the application. In general
most company names that use the word European are OK.
Great Britain or United Kingdom - if you wish to use these
expressions as a prefix, or to use 'of Great Britain'
or 'of the United Kingdom' as a suffix, then the criteria
are the same as for 'British'. If the words are used as
a suffix to the name, they are normally allowed without
difficulty. Using the initials 'GB' or 'UK' in your company
name does not require approval.
International - if you wish to use this word as a prefix,
you need to show that the major part of the company's
activities is in trading overseas. If you wish to use
it as a suffix, then approval will usually be given if
you can show that the company operates in two or more
overseas countries. When the company is being formed supporting
evidence has to be supplied to Companies House. We can
assist you with this.
National - the criteria for use of this word are the same
as for 'British'.
April 2006
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