How to choose a Company Name?
It is important that persons forming companies satisfy themselves of the acceptability of the proposed name in advance of submission of documents to the CRO.
Applicants are, therefore, advised not to incur expenses relating to the proposed name (e.g. preparing signs, headed note-paper, stationery, etc.) in advance of receipt of the certificate of incorporation which will be confirmation that the company is registered.
Where to check a company name?
Applicants are advised to check that the name proposed is not similar to one already registered by checking the register of companies using the Company Search Facility. You can check the suitability of a company name using this facility for free.
The CRO does not check proposed company names against names on the business names register and the trade mark register. Applicants are, therefore, advised to check these registers to ensure that the proposed company name does not conflict with a business name or trade mark since any person claiming to have a right to that name could take an infringement action or a civil passing off action to protect his/her interest.
You can also check the register of business names free of charge, using the Company Search Facility.
You can undertake a search of the trade mark register at the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland.
What Company names are restricted?
Names containing certain words cannot be used unless approved by relevant bodies. For example, the words "bank", "banker", "banking", "banc", may only be used with the permission of the Central Bank of Ireland; words such as "society", "co-op" or "co-operative" with permission by the Registrar of Friendly Societies; “architect” with permission by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI).
If a name includes words which imply specific functions e.g. "holding company", "group", "charity"etc., further information may be required by the CRO to support the application.
The use of the word "standard" is prohibited.
Can my Company name be rejected?
The CRO may have to refuse a name, if:
- it is identical or similar to a name already appearing on the register of companies;
- it is offensive;
- it would suggest state sponsorship.
If your chosen name is too similar to the name of another company, Registrar will take account of all relevant factors suggesting similarity and leading to confusion between the names of the two companies.
An objection on grounds of similarity can be made in writing to the Registrar of Companies within six months following the incorporation of your company and you could be directed by the Registrar to change the company name within six weeks.
Can I reserve a Company name?
It is possible to reserve a company name before the comapny registration. This service is only available online at www.core.ie. The name can be reserved for 28 days and the cost of this application is €25.00, which can be paid in advance by credit card or charged to your account in the CRO. If this is presented within the 28 days specified the incorporation fee will be reduced by the €25.00.
More information here: Company Name Reservation
Is Company Name the same as Business Name?
If a company uses a business name which differs in any way from its full company name as registered with CRO, registration of a business name is required.
Registration of a business name is obligatory if any body corporate carries on business under a name other than their own true names. Its purpose is to make public the identities of those corporate bodies being the legal entity behind the business name.
Find more information here: Company Business Name registration
Company obligations
Every business must paint or affix its name on the outside of every office or place in which the business is carried on, even if it is a directors home. The name must be both conspicuous and legible.
In addition, the company must state its name, in legible lettering, on company letter heads, order forms, invoices, etc.
Need help with Company Registration?
If you require any help with Company Registration, please leave your email address, we will be happy to assist.
Company Registration
€125
Included is:
- CRO Fixed Fee €20
- Submission of B1 Form in CORE
- Audit Exemption claim
- Monitoring in CORE till successful registration by CRO
You may also find useful:
- Corporation Tax Return - from €120
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