How to Check if a Company Name is Available in the UK

Choosing a company name isn’t just about branding—it’s a legal, practical, and strategic decision that can make or break your business ambitions. In the UK, you can’t just pick a name and start trading. There are strict rules, hidden pitfalls, and a few official checks you must pass before you can register at Companies House or use your chosen name. This guide walks you through the entire process, step by step, so you can be certain your name is available, legal, and protected from costly disputes down the line.

Picking the right company name is about more than just standing out from the crowd. In the UK, there are legal frameworks that govern which names can be used, and checking availability is a mandatory part of setting up your business. Failing to check properly can result in your application being rejected, or worse, facing legal action from existing businesses.

Companies House— the UK government’s official registrar of companies— will not allow registration of duplicate or too-similar names. They also have a list of 'sensitive' words and phrases that require approval. Ignoring these checks can mean delays, extra costs, and reputational damage, especially if you have already started trading under a name that gets challenged.

Beyond Companies House, you also need to consider trademark law, domain name availability, and whether your name could confuse customers or infringe on another business’s rights. Each of these areas has its own rules and processes, so a thorough approach from the start saves a lot of hassle later.

• Registration refusals: Companies House will reject names that are identical or too similar to existing companies.
• Legal disputes: Existing businesses can take legal action if you infringe on their trademark or goodwill.
• Brand confusion: Customers might confuse your business with another, harming your reputation.
• Wasted marketing spend: Rebranding after launch is expensive and disruptive.

Companies House maintains the official register of company names in the UK. Before you can register a limited company, you must ensure your chosen name is available on this register. The key test is that your proposed name must not be 'the same as' or 'too like' an existing registered company or LLP.

This isn’t just about exact matches. Companies House will flag names that differ only by punctuation, certain symbols, or common words like 'company' or 'services.' For example, 'ABC Limited' and 'A.B.C. LTD' are considered the same. There’s also a list of 'sensitive words' (like 'Group', 'Holdings', 'International', and words implying government connection) that require special permission.

You can check the official Companies House register online for free, and their name availability checker tool highlights immediate conflicts. However, it’s not foolproof for similar names or trademarks—so manual review and wider checks are essential.

The official process is straightforward but often misunderstood. Rushing this stage leads to rejected applications and wasted time. Here’s exactly how to check if your company name is available:

Even if Companies House gives the green light, your name may still infringe on an existing trademark or business’s 'passing off' rights. The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) maintains a register of trademarks, which is legally separate from Companies House. If your name or logo is too similar to a registered trademark in a relevant category, you risk being forced to change your name or pay damages.

You also need to check whether your desired website domain name is available. Many customers will expect you to have the .co.uk or .com version of your business name. If someone else owns these, it can confuse customers or limit your online presence. Domain registration is first-come, first-served and not linked to Companies House or trademark registration.

Finally, consider 'unregistered rights'—businesses that have been trading under a name for years, even if they never registered as a company or trademark. UK law protects these businesses under the tort of 'passing off', and they can challenge your use of a similar name if it causes confusion or damages their goodwill.

• Trademark register: Search the UK IPO database (https://trademarks.ipo.gov.uk/ipo-tmtext) for identical or similar marks in your sector.
• Domain registrars: Use sites like Nominet (for .co.uk) or Whois.com to check if the domain is taken.
• Unregistered businesses: Google, Yell, and Companies House can help spot active businesses using similar names.
• Social media handles: Check Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to avoid brand confusion online.

Many new business owners fall into traps that seem obvious in hindsight. One of the most frequent mistakes is assuming a name is available just because the Companies House checker says so. This tool only checks for exact or 'same as' matches, not for wider similarities, trademarks, or unregistered business rights.

Another common error is failing to check for sensitive words or restricted terms. Names implying government endorsement, professional qualifications, or regulated activities need written permission. Failing to provide this will delay or block your registration.

Some entrepreneurs overlook the importance of checking domain availability and social media handles. Even if you secure the company name, someone else might already have the digital real estate you need, forcing you into costly rebranding or awkward compromises.

• Relying solely on Companies House: Always check trademarks and domains as well.
• Ignoring sensitive words: Get permission in advance for any restricted terms.
• Confusing registered name and trading name: You can trade under a different name, but it still can’t infringe on others’ rights.
• Not checking international conflicts: If you plan to export, check for similar names in key overseas markets.
• Failing to act on objections: If Companies House or a business objects, resolve it before trading to avoid bigger problems.

It’s easy to get confused by the jargon. In the UK, your 'company name' is the legal name registered with Companies House, ending in 'Limited' or 'Ltd' for limited companies. A 'trading name' (or 'business name') is any name you use to trade that’s different from your registered company name. For example, 'Smith & Jones Holdings Limited' might trade as 'Speedy Couriers'. This is perfectly legal, but the same rules about misleading or sensitive words still apply.

A trademark is a completely separate legal right. Registering a company name does NOT give you exclusive rights to that name in the marketplace. Only a registered trademark (with the UK IPO) gives you the legal power to prevent others using a similar name for similar goods or services. If you really want to protect your brand, consider both company registration and trademark registration.

For sole traders and partnerships, there’s no Companies House registration, but you still can’t use misleading names, sensitive words, or names that infringe on existing trademarks or unregistered rights. It’s your responsibility to check and comply.

It’s frustrating to find your perfect name is already registered, or Companies House flags it as 'too like' an existing company. Don’t try to force it—your application will likely get rejected, and you could face legal action if you proceed regardless. Instead, get creative. Try synonyms, add unique words, or combine elements in unexpected ways while ensuring the name remains distinctive and easy to remember.

If you believe the other company is inactive or dissolved, check their status on Companies House. Sometimes, dissolved company names become available again after a certain period. However, even if a company is dormant, the name can’t be reused until it’s officially released from the register.

If a name is unavailable due to a trademark, you could try contacting the trademark owner to negotiate a licence or permission—though this is rare and often expensive. Usually, it’s quicker and safer to pick a new name. Always update your domain, social media, and any marketing materials accordingly to avoid confusion.

• Use the Companies House checker to try variations.
• Add distinctive words relevant to your business or location.
• Consider creative spellings (but beware of confusion).
• Check if dissolved names will be released soon.
• Secure domain and social media handles for any new name promptly.

Once you’ve confirmed availability and registered your company name with Companies House, you get some legal protection—but only against others registering the same or confusingly similar names as companies. This doesn’t stop someone from using a similar trading name or registering your name as a trademark in your sector.

To fully protect your brand, consider registering your name (and logo) as a trademark with the UK IPO. This gives you exclusive rights to use the name for specific goods and services, and makes it much easier to take legal action against infringers. It usually costs £170 for one class, plus £50 for each additional class, and the process takes a few months.

Don’t forget to register relevant domain names (.co.uk, .com, .uk, etc.) and secure your preferred social media handles. Even if you don’t plan to use them all immediately, owning these assets prevents competitors from muddying your brand or scamming your customers.

Certain words and phrases are restricted under UK law, and using them in your company name requires prior approval from specific government departments or regulatory bodies. These include words that suggest national importance (like 'British', 'Royal', 'England'), professional status ('Chartered', 'Accredited'), or regulated activities ('Bank', 'Solicitor', 'Insurance').

You’ll need to provide supporting evidence—such as a letter of non-objection from the relevant authority or proof of professional qualifications—when submitting your application. If you skip this step, Companies House will reject your registration outright.

If you’re unsure whether your chosen name contains a sensitive word, check the full list on GOV.UK. For regulated industries, contact the relevant regulator (e.g., the Financial Conduct Authority for financial terms, the Law Society for legal terms) before applying.

• Check the sensitive words list on GOV.UK before applying.
• Gather all required permissions and supporting documents in advance.
• For regulated sectors, contact the relevant regulator early.
• If in doubt, consider alternative names to avoid delays.
• If you apply without permission, expect application rejection and lost fees.

With so many rules and overlapping systems, it’s no wonder company name searches are a source of confusion. Here are answers to the most common questions UK business owners have about checking company name availability:

Q: How much does it cost to check a company name? A: Using the official Companies House name checker and register is free. Trademark and domain searches can also be done for free via the UK IPO and most domain registrars.

Q: Can I reserve a company name before registering? A: No, the UK doesn’t allow name reservation. The only way to secure a name is to register a company (including dormant companies). There’s no official pre-registration holding period.

Q: What if I want to change my company name later? A: You can, but you’ll need to file a special resolution and update Companies House, branding, domains, and all official documents. There’s a £8 fee online or £10 by post (as of June 2026).

Q: Can I use a different trading name? A: Yes, but it must not be misleading, contain sensitive words without approval, or infringe on trademarks or other businesses’ rights. The same legal risks apply.

Q: What happens if a name is challenged after registration? A: If a third party believes your name is 'too like' theirs, they can apply to Companies House or the Company Names Tribunal for a forced change. This can happen up to 12 months after registration.