Choosing and registering a company name is the first official step in incorporating a business in India. Under Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014, the proposed name must meet specific MCA naming requirements and not conflict with an existing company, LLP, or trademark. You can apply to reserve the name through SPICe+ Part A on the MCA V3 portal, propose up to two names, and pay a ₹1,000 fee. Once the MCA approves your name, it remains reserved for 20 days, giving you time to complete the incorporation process.
New companies reserve their unique name through SPICe+ Part A, while existing companies changing their name use the RUN form. Regardless of the route, the name must pass the checks under Section 4 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rules 8, 8A, and 8B. This means it cannot be identical to an existing entity, conflict with a registered trademark, or contain restricted words such as “National” without the required approval.
Key Takeaways
- For a new company, use SPICe+ Part A to propose up to two names for ₹1,000. The approved name remains reserved for 20 days.
- Use RUN for an existing company changing its name. The ₹1,000 reservation remains valid for 60 days.
- Your proposed name must comply with Section 4 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rules 8, 8A, and 8B. It should be distinctive, trademark-clear, and free from restricted terms unless you have the required approval.
- Before applying, check MCA records, the IP India trademark database, and domain availability to identify potential conflicts.
- If the CRC returns your application, you can resubmit it within 15 days. You can also extend the name reservation under Rule 9A by paying the applicable additional fee before it expires.
Importance of Company Name Reservation
Reserving your company name early helps you secure your preferred business identity before completing incorporation. Once the Central Registration Centre (CRC) approves the name, it remains reserved for the applicable period, typically 20 days for a new company. This gives you time to prepare and file the documents required for company registration.
Registering your name early helps you:
- Secure your business identity by starting your branding around the name you plan to use.
- Plan your incorporation by preparing the Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA/AOA), and other documents around your chosen name.
- Avoid unnecessary branding costs by reducing the risk of redesigning your logo, website, or marketing materials later.
- Coordinate your launch by aligning your domain, website, branding, and other business materials before operations begin.
Company Naming Rules: Section 4 and Rules 8, 8A & 8B
Your proposed name must comply with Section 4 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rules 8, 8A, and 8B of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014. Key rules include:
- Avoid identical or closely similar names: Your name must not match or closely resemble an existing company or LLP.
- Respect registered trademarks: You cannot use a registered trademark without the trademark owner’s NOC or consent, where required.
- Avoid prohibited or offensive terms: Your name cannot contain offensive or misleading words or terms that imply government patronage. Words such as “National,” “Bank,” “Insurance,” “Stock Exchange,” and “Board” may require prior approval from the relevant authority.
- Use the correct legal suffix: Use “Private Limited” for a private company, “(OPC) Private Limited” for an OPC, and “Limited” for a public company.
- Match your business activity: Your proposed name should align with the company’s main business activity (defined by its NIC code) stated in the incorporation application.
Selecting a firm name for an LLP also involves different steps and forms to file. Check out how to reserve your LLP’s name from our detailed guide: LLP name reservation.
SPICe+ Part A vs RUN: Which Route Applies to You?
The right name reservation form depends on whether you are incorporating a new company or changing the name of an existing one.
| Particulars | SPICe+ Part A | RUN |
| Used for | New company: Private Limited, OPC, or Public Limited | Name change of an existing company |
| Names allowed | Up to 2 | Up to 2 |
| Fee | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 |
| Reservation period | 20 days | 60 days |
For a new company, use SPICe+ Part A to reserve the name before completing incorporation. Use RUN when an existing company wants to change its name.
How to Reserve a Company Name on the MCA V3 Portal?
You can complete company name registration online through the MCA V3 portal. Before you apply, run these three checks to avoid the most common rejections:
- MCA availability: Search MCA records for identical or similar company and LLP names. Use a free company name search tool for instant results.
- Trademark search: Run a trademark search on the IP India database for existing marks that could conflict with your proposed name.
- Domain availability: Check whether a matching domain is available to keep your brand consistent across online channels.
Once your proposed name passes all three checks, you can proceed with the application. Follow these steps:
- Log in to the MCA V3 portal: Create an MCA account or sign in to your existing account.
- Open SPICe+ Part A: Go to MCA Services and select the option for company name reservation.
- Enter your proposed name: Provide up to two names along with the company’s main business activity or objects.
- Check name availability: Review the MCA’s similarity checks for existing company or LLP names and trademarks.
- Submit the application: Complete the form and pay the ₹1,000 reservation fee.
- Track the application: After submitting the application to the CRC, track the status on the MCA V3 portal using the Service Request Number (SRN). The status shows as Pending, Approved, or Resubmission Required. If it’s marked “Resubmission Required” status, correct and refile within 15 days. If approved, your business name is reserved for 20 days.
Once the CRC approves the name, you can use the approved name in SPICe+ Part B to complete the company incorporation application.
How to Reserve a Unique Name for an Existing Company Using RUN?
If you already run a registered company and want to change its name, you use the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) form instead of SPICe+ Part A. Here’s how:
- Obtain the board’s approval to propose a new company name through a board resolution.
- Log in to your MCA V3 account and open the RUN service under MCA Services.
- Enter up to two proposed names, select the option for an existing company’s name change, and provide the CIN.
- Submit the RUN application and pay the ₹1,000 fee. RUN applications are processed in Non-STP mode, so CRC officials manually review the proposed name before approving or rejecting it.
- The CRC reviews the application and may approve the name or ask you to submit a different one.
- After approval, pass the required special resolution and file MGT-14 and INC-24, along with completing the applicable ROC formalities within the 60-day reservation period.
Note: The company RUN form (₹1,000, under the Companies Act, 2013) is different from RUN-LLP (₹200, under the LLP Act, 2008). This guide covers company names; LLPs follow a separate process.
How Long is a Reserved Company Name Valid?
The reservation period of a unique name depends on whether you are incorporating a new company or changing the name of an existing one:
- New company: A name approved through SPICe+ Part A remains reserved for 20 days from the date of approval. Under Rule 9A, you can extend the reservation before it expires. The additional fee is ₹1,000 for up to 40 days, ₹2,000 for 40–60 days, or ₹3,000 to extend directly to 60 days. Apply before the current reservation period ends.
- Existing company: A name approved through RUN remains reserved for 60 days from the date of approval.
- Resubmission: If the CRC sends the application back, you can make one resubmission within 15 days, subject to the applicable rules.
- Lapse: If you do not complete the required filing or extend the MCA name reservation in time, the MCA releases the name. In that case, you must submit a fresh application.
What Makes a Company Name More Likely to be Rejected?
A few simple checks can improve your chances of name approval and help you avoid delays or repeat filing fees. Keep these points in mind before you apply:
| Do | Don’t |
| Check availability on MCA, IP India (trademark), and as a domain before applying | Copy a name identical or similar to an existing company, LLP, or registered trademark |
| Keep the name distinctive, not a minor variation in spelling, plural, or word order | Use restricted words like “National,” “Bank,” or “Insurance” without prior approval |
| Match the name to your stated main business activity | Choose generic or purely descriptive names that lack distinctiveness |
| Use the correct suffix (“Private Limited,” “(OPC) Private Limited,” or “Limited”) | Pick a name that suggests a business different from your objects |
| Propose a strong second name to improve approval odds | Use offensive, misleading, or government-implying terms |
| File incorporation or extend the MCA name reservation before it lapses | Let the reservation expire; it releases the name and forces a fresh application and fee |
Conclusion
Your company name isn’t just branding. It carries legal weight. Wrong information can lead to cancellation and a penalty of up to ₹1 lakh under Section 4(5)(ii). A name too similar to an existing company or trademark can be ordered to be changed under Section 16, while Section 12(3) requires you to display the registered name correctly after incorporation.
Get it right the first time by checking MCA records, trademarks, and domain availability.
