Which Names Are Not Allowed in Company Name Registration? (2025 Guide)
Choosing a name is one of the most exciting steps in starting a new company. But in India, not every name you like can be legally registered. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has laid out strict guidelines for naming your business to ensure clarity, avoid duplication, and protect the public from confusion or misleading information.
If you're planning to start a company, it's critical to check company name availability and compliance before filing your registration. In this article, we break down which types of names are not allowed during company registration in India.
❌ 1. Names That Are Identical or Too Similar to Existing Companies
One of the most common reasons for name rejection is similarity with an already registered company or LLP. Even if the spelling differs slightly or uses a plural form, if the name sounds or appears too similar, it will be rejected by the ROC.
🔍 Before applying, always check company name availability on the MCA portal and do a basic trademark search as well.
Examples:
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"Tata Tech Solutions Pvt Ltd" will likely be rejected if "Tata Technologies Pvt Ltd" already exists.
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Adding a word like “India” or “Global” doesn't make a name unique enough.
❌ 2. Names Containing Offensive, Obscene, or Vulgar Words
The MCA outright rejects any name that is offensive to any section of the population, includes vulgar or abusive language, or goes against public morality. This includes slang, inappropriate innuendos, or terms that may insult religions, castes, or national symbols.
❌ 3. Names Suggesting Government Affiliation or Approval
Unless specifically authorized, you cannot include words like:
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“National”
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“Republic”
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“Bureau”
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“Commission”
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“Government”
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“RBI”, “SEBI”, “Niti Aayog”, etc.
Using such terms implies an association with the government or public institutions, which is misleading unless you are officially permitted.
❌ 4. Names That Violate Trademark Rights
If the name you’ve chosen includes a registered trademark or is confusingly similar to a trademarked brand, it will be rejected. You must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the trademark holder in such cases.
Always check company name availability in both the MCA database and the trademark registry before applying.
❌ 5. Names That Include “Bank,” “Stock Exchange,” or “Insurance”
These are regulated terms and can only be used by companies with special licenses or regulatory approvals (e.g., from RBI, IRDAI, SEBI). If you include these terms without permission, the ROC will reject your application.
Restricted words include:
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Bank
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Mutual Fund
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Insurance
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Venture Capital
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Asset Management
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Stock Exchange
❌ 6. Names That Mislead About Business Activities
Your proposed company name must match or clearly relate to the main objects of the business mentioned in the MOA (Memorandum of Association). For example, don’t name your company “XYZ Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd” if your actual business is in web development.
This is done to avoid consumer confusion and ensure transparency.
❌ 7. Generic Names Without Distinctiveness
Names like “Best Company Pvt Ltd” or “Great Business India Ltd” are considered too generic and lack uniqueness. The ROC expects company names to be distinct, specific, and meaningful.
✅ How to Check Company Name Availability?
Before applying for company registration, it’s essential to check company name availability using the MCA name search tool. You can also use platforms like Taxlegit that offer a free company name check and help you pick compliant and brand-worthy names.
📝 Conclusion
Choosing the right company name isn’t just a creative decision—it’s a legal one. The government has put restrictions in place to prevent confusion, protect intellectual property, and promote transparency. Before submitting your application, always check company name availability, ensure it doesn’t violate any naming rules, and consider trademark implications.
A strong, legally valid name lays the foundation for a credible, scalable business.
