Changing company name

[JDM2012]

Hi,


I am looking at changing the name of my LTD company, reason being is the company has grown quite a bit recently and I think a name change to something more recognised/professional will be beneficial.

The name I have thought of is available but after doing some re-search there is a company with a similar name.

I won't list the name here as it will show on a Google search if I do decide to get ahead with it and I'd rather that not happen but for example the name I want is UKXXXXX and there is a company in the same retail sector called XXXXXUK.

Basically the UK is at the end rather than start of the name, would I be cutting it too close with the other company?

I have a feeling it will but I thought I would check.


Thanks

 

[arnydnxluk]

There are rules about text such as "UK" (it's not counted when deciding if two names are the same), but it doesn't look like these rules apply to you because there's no character (such as a space) between the "XXXXX" and "UK". The rules do mention that two names cannot be "too like" each other, which seems like it could apply here.

In my opinion it's a bit risky, a complaint could be made and you could be forced to change the name. I'd certainly try to come up with something more unique if possible. It's not good for either side when two companies have a similar name.

However if you're not actually advertising the name (e.g. your brand name is YYYY and your website is YYYY.com but XXXXXUK Ltd appears on invoices) then I'd care less and probably just go for it!

 

[Benjie_P]

I'd do away with having similar name with them as the only difference is where the "UK" is being placed. A confusion from customers may rise in the future and the company may complain about yours for loss/potential loss with having the same name.

 

[BuilderMCR]

I don't know if this is any help but my company name was xxxxx (NW) ltd another company set up with the same name but xxxxx (North West) ltd. obviously my (NW) was short for north west. Companies house said there was nothing wrong with it and it wasn't too similar so I changed mine, not just because of that but for similar reasons to you.

 

[JDM2012]

Thanks for the replies.

I maybe best calling companies house and checking its all OK?

The name wont go down as a brand, I am an online retail shop re-selling brands rather than my own. So website would be UKXXXX.com, but having UKXXXXLTD on invoices is no problem.


Thanks again

 

[japancool]

Hmm, I wonder what Sift would say about Business Forum UK?