This article is written for entrepreneurs and business founders who are planning to register a company in Ireland.
It is particularly relevant for those who want to avoid delays and rejections when registering their company name with the Companies Registration Office.
Key Takeaways:
Generic additions like "Holdings," "Group," or "Services" are insufficient to distinguish your company name from existing businesses, and the CRO will likely reject such modifications
Names that sound phonetically similar to existing companies will be rejected, even if spelled differently, requiring careful consideration of both pronunciation and spelling
Special words such as "Bank," "University," or "Charity" require specific regulatory approval, even when used as part of a compound word
Creating unique, inventive names by combining words or using industry-specific elements increases the likelihood of CRO approval
The registered company name must appear on all formal documents, but you can use a simplified version for marketing purposes, provided there are no intellectual property conflicts
Search the Companies Registration Office (CRO) database using their online Company Search Facility. This will show you existing company names and help determine if your proposed name is already taken or too similar to an existing business.
How do I set up a company name in Ireland?
First check name availability through the CRO search facility. Then submit your company name as part of your incorporation application. The name must be unique and comply with CRO guidelines. Consider engaging Open Forest to assist with the process.
What are good names to name a company?
Create distinctive names by combining unique words or inventing new ones, like "SoftCorex" or "TasteFleet." Strong company names are memorable, indicate your business activity, and are sufficiently different from existing companies. Avoid generic terms or descriptive words alone.
What are the restrictions on company names in Ireland?
Names cannot be identical or too similar to existing companies. Certain words like "Bank," "University," or "Charity" require special approval. Adding generic terms like "Holdings," "Group," or geographic locations like "Dublin" is insufficient for differentiation. The name must not be offensive or suggest state sponsorship without authorisation.
Can I add "Ireland" or "Dublin" to an existing company name to make it unique?
These geographic additions are not considered sufficient to distinguish your company name from existing businesses, and the CRO will likely reject such applications.
Can I use a different name for marketing than my registered company name?
Yes, you can use a simplified version of your registered company name for marketing purposes, but your full registered name must appear on all formal documents and contracts.
What's the best way to create a unique company name that will be approved?
Consider combining unrelated words, using industry-specific terms in creative ways, or incorporating non-English words while ensuring clarity and distinctiveness.
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