An application to register a company in Ireland will be refused by the CRO if the company name
falls
into one of the categories below:
- It is identical or similar to a name already appearing on the register of companies
- It is offensive
- It would suggest state sponsorship
Company names that are phonetically or visually similar to names on the register will be
refused.
For
instance:
- "Any Wear Limited" will be refused if "Any Where Limited" is already registered
- "G00g1e Limited" (using zeros and one) will be refused if "Google Limited" is already
registered
- "All 4 You Limited" will be refused if "All For You Limited" is already registered
It is generally recommended that company names include extra words to create a sufficient
distinction
between names that are already on the register. These extra words should be descriptive and not
general
or weak.
For example, if "Hello World Limited" already exists on the register, an application for "Hello
The
World Limited"
would get refused. Using the definite article in the company's name is not enough to distinguish
it.
Other insufficient
distinctions would include "holding", "group", "system", "services", "international", etc. Place
names
are also insufficient
distinctions and words like "Ireland", "Dublin", "Irish", for example, would be ignored.
The following words are restricted from being used in company names:
- "Bank", "Society", "Charity"
- "Co-op", "Co-operative"
- "University", "Regional Technical College", "Institute of Technology"
- "Standard"
- "Architect"
- ".com", ".ie", ".eu", ...
If a name includes words which imply specific functions, as in "holdings", "holding company",
"group" etc., the CRO will require evidence to show that the company provides that function, for
example, the proposed group structure. It is important to ensure that your proposed company name
is likely to be acceptable, as it is not possible to reserve a company name including words
implying a specific function through the CRO's online form.
It is the applicant's responsibility to satisfy themselves of the acceptability of the proposed
name
before registering the company. The CRO could require you to change the company name if an
objection
arises after incorporation.
Even before incorporating the company, the CRO will check that the name is in accordance with
their
requirements.
When registering a company name, the CRO will not check the Register of Business Names or the
Trademark
Register at the Patents Office.
The owners of the Business Name or Trademark could object to the company name if it conflicts
with
their
rights.
