Choosing a Company Name

Sensitive Names

When using either group, holdings or international in your company name, most countries, including the UK, expect the user to give evidence to justify the use of that name.

Based on the UK, here are some 'ground rules' for different types of 'sensitive names'.

Group

You will need to provide evidence of association with two or more limited companies.

If the name clearly shows that the company is to promote the interests of a group of individuals, then the name will normally be approved.

Holdings

You will need to provide evidence of holding 50% of the share capital of another company.

International

If you wish to use this word as a prefix, you need to show that the major part of the company's activities is in trading outside the country of incorporation.

If you wish to use it as a suffix; approval will usually be given if you can show that its main activities are exports, or that it operates in more than one country overseas.

Approval is usually given to companies wishing to use this word when the company is involved in a trade that is international in character, such as travel or transport, provided that the name is not too misleading or likely to give rise to a justified complaint.