Business Name Registration for Irish Limited Companies

Register a Business Name (Trading Name)

€99 + VAT

Trade under a name that is different from your company's registered legal name. Incorpro prepares and files your Form RBN1 with the CRO from start to finish.

What Is a Business Name?

A business name, often referred to as a trading name, is a name that a company uses to trade that is different from its registered legal name. For example, a company incorporated as ABC Consulting Limited may wish to market its services under the name Dublin Business Advisors. While the company's legal name remains ABC Consulting Limited, the trading name can be used on websites, advertising materials, signage, and customer communications. Registering a business name helps ensure transparency by allowing customers, suppliers, and the public to identify the legal entity operating behind the brand.

In Ireland, if a limited company intends to trade under a name that is different from its registered company name, it is generally required to register that business name with the Companies Registration Office (CRO). The registration is made by filing a Form RBN1 with the CRO. Before submitting the application, it is advisable to conduct a business name search to ensure that the proposed name is not already in use and does not infringe on existing trademarks. Unlike company incorporation, registering a business name does not create a separate legal entity and does not provide exclusive ownership rights to the name. It simply records the connection between the trading name and the legal company behind it.

Registering a Business Name with the Companies Registration Office

Your Certificate of Registration

Once the CRO approves the application, a Certificate of Registration of Business Name is issued. This certificate confirms that the business name has been registered and can be used as evidence when opening bank accounts, dealing with suppliers, or demonstrating compliance with registration requirements. The registration remains valid indefinitely unless the business name is cancelled or changes are made to the company's details. If ownership of the business name changes, or if the company ceases to use the name, the CRO should be notified and the registration updated accordingly.

Business Name vs. Trademark

Registering a business name does not provide trademark protection. If a company wishes to secure exclusive rights to a brand name, logo, or slogan, it should consider applying for a trademark through the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland (IPOI) or the relevant international trademark authorities. Many businesses choose to register both, as the two serve different purposes: the business name satisfies legal disclosure requirements, while a trademark protects the brand from unauthorised use by competitors.

How Incorpro Helps

Incorpro offers this service at €99 + VAT and prepares and files your Form RBN1 with the CRO — we handle everything from start to finish. Getting started takes just a couple of steps through MyIncorpro.

1. Sign Up & Verify

Onboarding through MyIncorpro is the first step. Verifying your identity is a regulatory requirement, and we have made it as simple as possible through a few short steps.

2. Order in the Online Store

Once onboarded, purchase the service from the Services tab of your MyIncorpro Dashboard — the Incorpro Online Store — and we take it from there.

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