Page 182 - Microsoft Word - 00 Prelims.docx

Chapter 7

Name of company

Must have limited (Ltd) or public limited company (plc) at end as applicable

Cannot be the same or virtually the same as another in index of names

Cannot use certain words which are illegal or offensive

Must have Secretary of State’s consent to use certain words (e.g. England,
Chartered, Royal, National, University, Insurance, etc.) or any name suggesting
a connection with the government or any local authority.

It must avoid the tort of passing off.

Note: Most companies trade under their registered name, but there is nothing to stop
a company trading under a different ‘business’ name. If a company chooses to do
this, the business name will be subject to the same rules as the registered name as
regards offensive words, names suggesting a prohibited connection etc.

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