MCA Check Company Name: A Step-by-Step Guide to Ensuring Unique Business Identity in India

Why Check Company Name Availability?

• Legal Requirement: The Companies Act, 2013 mandates that every company must have a distinct name not identical or too similar to an existing registered entity.
• Brand Identity: A unique name helps establish a clear brand presence and avoids confusion in the marketplace.
• Approval Process: The MCA will reject applications with names that violate guidelines or are already in use.

How to Check Company Name Availability on the MCA Portal

Follow these steps to check your proposed company name:

1. Visit the MCA Website

• Open your browser and go to the official Ministry of Corporate Affairs website (mca.gov.in).

2. Access Name Availability Service

• Navigate to the “MCA Services” tab.
• Under “FO Services,” select “Check Company/LLP Name”.

3. Enter Proposed Name

• Type your desired company name in the provided field.
• You may be prompted to enter a captcha for verification.

4. Submit and Review Results

• Click the search icon.
• The system will display whether the name is available or if similar names already exist.

Key Points to Remember

• Eligibility: The name must be unique, not infringe on trademarks, and comply with the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014.
• Free Tool: The MCA’s company name search tool is free and can be used multiple times before formal application.
• Reservation: Once a name is confirmed as available, you can reserve it by filing the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) form on the MCA portal. The reservation holds for 20 days for new companies and 60 days for existing ones, with a government fee applicable.
• Number of Proposals: You can submit two name options per RUN form. If both are rejected, a new form and fee are required.

Who Approves the Name?

The Registrar of Companies (RoC), under the MCA, reviews and approves company names to ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.

Final Tips

• Check Similarity: Avoid names that closely resemble existing companies or violate trademarks.
• Reflect Business Activity: The name should ideally indicate the nature of the business.
• Consult Guidelines: Review the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 for detailed naming criteria.

Using the MCA’s online name check tool is a crucial first step in the company registration process, helping entrepreneurs secure a distinctive identity and ensuring smooth approval from regulatory authorities.