Business Name Protection FAQs

We carry out comprehensive searches against 2 million businesses, 2.3 million limited companies, 2.5 million UK trade marks, 7 million European trade marks and 4 million domain names – that is over 10 million UK trading names.

Yes, we register your business name whatever the status of your firm giving you protection and peace of mind.

Search your business name here and apply online here. Once registered, will send you a certificate of registration which, when displayed, meets all the requirements of the Section 1200-1206 Companies Act 2006.

We can search altnerative names for you free of charge or you can suggest alternatives for us to check with no obligation.

There are a number of restricted words, which need to be approved by the Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR). Restricted words or terms are usually phrases associated with already established official bodies, for example; government departments, health care organisations or other public services. Please note if the restricted word is being used appropriately for your business we will gain permission on your behalf for use of a ‘restricted’ word. If you have any queries please do contact us before applying.

Registration with National Business Register specifically provides protection against “Passing Off”, the common law term used to describe copying of a trading name by another business. Your annual subscription means you have peace of mind when it comes to safeguarding your business identity. We will instigate and pay for all necessary legal proceedings in protecting your business name using our solicitors and counsel where necessary.

Registration takes 2 business days from receipt of your application form and remittance.

A registration is renewable on an annual basis. A renewal notice will be sent to you before your registration expires or you can select to set up a direct debit when protecting your business name. Please note, 2 or 5 year protection plans that come with discounts.