# Company & LLP Name Search and Reservation

> Before incorporating, a company name is reserved through RUN (Reserve Unique Name) or Part A of SPICe+, and an LLP name through RUN-LLP. The MCA rejects names identical or too similar to existing companies, LLPs or registered trademarks, and names containing restricted words without approval. A reserved company name is held for 20 days (60 days for a name change); RUN allows two proposed names and one resubmission.

Practice: Business Setup & Entity Registration — https://www.industax.com/services/business-setup/

Most name rejections are avoidable: a name that differs from an existing one only by plural, tense, spelling or an added generic word is treated as identical under Rule 8 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014. Words like 'Bank', 'Insurance', 'Board', 'National' or 'Republic' need approval from the relevant regulator or the Central Government.

We search the MCA database and the trademark register together, because a name that clears the MCA but conflicts with someone's trademark invites a rectification order later. Where the brand matters, we file the trademark application alongside the name reservation.

## Key facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Company form | RUN or SPICe+ Part A |
| LLP form | RUN-LLP |
| Validity | 20 days for new companies; 60 days for change of name |
| Proposed names | Up to 2 in RUN, with one resubmission |
| Common rejection | Similarity to existing company, LLP or trademark |

## Who needs this

- Founders about to incorporate a company or LLP
- Companies changing their name
- Applicants whose names were rejected earlier

## What's included

- MCA and trademark database search
- Name significance and objects alignment
- RUN / RUN-LLP or SPICe+ Part A filing
- Trademark filing advice for the brand

## Documents

- Proposed names in order of preference
- Meaning or significance of each name
- Trademark authorisation if using an existing brand

## Process

1. **Search** — Names checked against MCA and trademark records.
2. **File** — RUN or SPICe+ Part A submitted.
3. **Use** — Incorporation filed within the reservation period.

## FAQs

### Why was my company name rejected?

The most common reasons are similarity to an existing company, LLP or trademark; use of restricted words without approval; or a name that doesn't reflect the objects. The MCA treats names that differ only by plurals, spacing, punctuation or generic suffixes as identical.

### Can I use a name that is a registered trademark of someone else?

No. The Registrar can reject it, and even if it is approved, the trademark owner can apply for the name to be changed under Section 16 of the Companies Act within three years of incorporation.

### Is name reservation needed for incorporation through SPICe+?

Not separately. SPICe+ Part A reserves the name as part of the same filing, so you can either reserve first through Part A or RUN, or file Parts A and B together.

## Official sources

- Ministry of Corporate Affairs — MCA21 portal: https://www.mca.gov.in/

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Publisher: Indus Tax — CA-led tax and compliance firm (https://www.industax.com). Contact: info@industax.com, 9059139258.
This is general information, not advice for your specific facts.