# Company Name Change

> To change its name a company reserves the new name with the ROC (RUN), passes a special resolution, files MGT-14 and then INC-24 for approval. On approval the ROC issues a fresh certificate of incorporation in the new name; the company then updates its PAN, GST, bank accounts, licences and letterheads.

Practice: Company Secretary & Corporate Compliance — https://www.industax.com/services/company-secretary/

The new name must not be identical or too similar to an existing company or a registered trademark, and must follow the naming rules (no undesirable words without approvals). A trademark search before reserving the name avoids later disputes.

A name change doesn't change the company's legal identity, contracts or liabilities — but every registration in the old name has to be updated. We give you a checklist of the updates that follow.

## Key facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Name reservation | RUN (Reserve Unique Name) on MCA |
| Approval | Special resolution; MGT-14 and INC-24 |
| Result | Fresh certificate of incorporation in the new name |
| Afterwards | Update PAN, TAN, GST, bank, licences, contracts |

## Who needs this

- Companies rebranding
- Companies whose name conflicts with a trademark
- Groups aligning entity names

## What's included

- Name and trademark search
- RUN application
- Resolutions, MGT-14 and INC-24
- Post-change update checklist

## Documents

- Proposed names with significance
- Board and shareholder resolutions
- Trademark NOC (if needed)

## Process

1. **Search** — Name availability and trademark conflicts checked.
2. **Reserve** — Name reserved through RUN.
3. **Approve** — Special resolution; MGT-14 and INC-24 filed.
4. **Update** — New certificate received; registrations updated.

## FAQs

### Does a name change affect existing contracts?

No. The company remains the same legal entity; contracts and liabilities continue in the new name.

### Should I check trademarks before changing the name?

Yes. A name similar to a registered trademark can be rejected or challenged.

### What must be updated after the change?

PAN and TAN records, GST registration, bank accounts, licences, invoices, website and contracts.

## Official sources

- Ministry of Corporate Affairs — MCA21 portal: https://www.mca.gov.in/
- Companies Act, 2013 (India Code): https://www.indiacode.nic.in/handle/123456789/2114

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Canonical page: https://www.industax.com/services/company-secretary/company-name-change
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.