Name Application - Stand Alone

What you need to know

You can apply for your company name separately from the full company registration process. This means you can initiate a company name application to secure your desired name before proceeding with the other registration steps. Once your business name application is approved, the name is reserved for 6 months. During this period, you must complete your company name registration. If you don`t register your company name within those 6 months, the name reservation will expire. This is an important consideration when planning your business name registration. For those seeking company name application services, remember this timeframe.

Good to know

It is a good idea to give a lot of thought to your name choices

Price : R250
How long does it take? 1 Day

Call Centre
021 595 4433

Email
info@swiftreg.co.za

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key elements of a good company name?

Uniqueness in a company name is a key element as this will make your company’s name more memorable. It should also be able to be easily pronounced as your clients may not all share your home language. A descriptive word is always a good idea as it explains to your customers exactly what your business does, for example Dlamini Landscaping.

How can I improve my chances to get my company name approved?

The more unique your proposed company names are the greater your chances of CIPC approving your company name. By adding a descriptive word, it explains to potential customers what your business does while adding to its uniqueness; this will improve your chances of getting your company name approved.

Should I use my initials and surname as my company name?

In general, you should stay away from your initials and surname for two reasons. Firstly, you will be surprised how many companies have already been registered with a similar surname. This could lead to your clients being confused. The second consideration is, if you ever want to sell your business then all the brand equity you built up over the years in your personal name will not be beneficial to the new buyer. However, if you registered a name that is not linked to an individual then all your brand equity becomes and asset which you could sell.

Can I use symbols in my name?

No, CIPC does not allow symbols in a company name. Any names using symbols will be rejected. Don`t do it.

How long does it take to register a company name?

Usually the same day, assuming the CIPC is not experiencing problems.

What is a defensive name?

A defensive name is a company name that you would like to secure but not immediately register the company. You must be able to prove that you have a material interest in securing the name. It costs more and is valid for two years after which it can be renewed.

Can my company ‘trade as’ or do I have to change the name?

No you can’t - since the introduction of the Consumer Protection Act on 31 March 2011 companies may no longer TRADE AS. If your company was ‘trading as’ prior to this date then in may continue to do so, however any company registered after this date may not ‘trade as’ and needs to formally change the company name.

How easy is it I change my company’s name?

Dead easy – it is a two-step process, the first is the name approval and the second stage is the registration at CIPC. We also recommend changing the company’s share certificates to reflect the new company name.

Does my company name expire?

Yes it does - your company name is valid for period of 6 moths. During this time, the company registration needs to be completed as after this the name approval will expire. It is possible to extend the name approval by 60 days at a time.

Can I transfer a company name?

Yes, this often happens it when a customer registers a company under their profile and then request a specialist company such as SwiftReg to complete the registration for them. CIPC charges both the sender and the recipient when they transfer the name.

Domain name vs Company name

Domain names are just as important as the company names. Domain names can be very similar to existing domain names while company names must be unique and can’t even sound similar to an existing company name.

Can someone object to my company name?

Yes, a company can object to a newly registered company name who they feel it is confusingly similar to their own company name that was registered before them. This objection must be lodged with Companies Tribunal.

Does a Trademark take precedence over my company name?

Yes, a Trademark infringement can be lodge against a registered company for up to a year after the company was registered. The Trademark will usually take precedence in a ruling.

How do I know if my company name is available

The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) in South Africa maintains a database of registered company names. However its not possible to check if your name is taken before we apply for it, as these name checking services have been removed by CIPC. The secret is that when you apply with your options, that you make each option very different from the others. Also describe what you do in your name.

What are the CIPC`s requirements for acceptable company names?

CIPC has specific guidelines. Names must be:

• Distinctive and not deceptively similar to existing names.
• Not misleading or offensive.
• Compliant with any regulations specific to the industry.
• Certain endings are required for different company types (e.g., Proprietary Limited or (Pty) Ltd for private companies, Incorporated or Inc. for personal liability companies).

Can I use my existing business or trading name as my company name?

Yes, you can, but only if that name is available according to CIPC`s records. Having a trading name doesn`t automatically grant you the right to register it as your company name. The Consumers Protection Act does not allow Trading As companies any longer, unless you were doing this before 2011 so registering another name and then `trading as` is illegal.

How many company name options should I provide in my application?

You should provide 4 options that are different from each other. This will maximise the chance of receiving one of them. Please note that if all your name options are rejected CIPC charges for another set of 4 names, so SwiftReg also charges to cover these costs as well as extra administration.

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Unlocking the Power of Name Applications in South Africa`s CIPC: Your Guide to Name Choice

In the bustling landscape of South Africa`s business sector, selecting the perfect name for your enterprise is more than just a formality – it`s a strategic decision that can shape your brand identity and market positioning. The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) governs the process of registering and managing business names in South Africa, offering a streamlined avenue for entrepreneurs to secure their chosen identity. Understanding the nuances of name applications with a focus on "name application" or "name choice" is crucial for navigating this terrain effectively.

Navigating the Terrain: Understanding Name Applications

Before delving into the intricacies of name applications, it`s essential to grasp the significance of this process within the broader context of business registration. The CIPC serves as the regulatory authority overseeing company registrations and intellectual property matters in South Africa. When embarking on a new business venture or seeking to formalize an existing enterprise, entrepreneurs must adhere to CIPC guidelines for selecting and registering their chosen name.

Crafting Your Identity: The Importance of Name Choice

Your business name is more than just a label – it`s a reflection of your brand identity, values, and market positioning. A carefully chosen name can resonate with your target audience, set you apart from competitors, and establish a memorable presence in the marketplace. As such, the process of selecting a name goes beyond mere semantics; it`s a strategic decision that can impact your business`s trajectory.

Demystifying Name Applications: A Step-by-Step Guide

Research and Brainstorming

Begin by conducting thorough research to ensure that your desired name is unique and not already in use by another entity. This step is crucial for avoiding potential conflicts and legal issues down the line. Brainstorming sessions can help generate creative ideas and refine your options.

Are you ready with your other choices

Once you`ve settled on a potential name, don`t stop there. Imagine that this name is not available. So what would your second choice be? When thinking of your second choice, don`t create a subset of the first one. CIPC has a high standard of name distinguishing. So if your first name was ABC Enterprises, please don`t think that ABC Ventures would be a suitable second choice.

Submitting Your Application

With your chosen names in hand, click Start on this page and fill in the appropriate information. Make certain you dont make any mistakes with your chosen name. A one letter mistake is common, and could result in approval of a mispelt name. Correcting this can cost time and money and you might have got the approval for the misspelt name and not for the properly spelt one.

Awaiting Approval

Upon submission, your application will undergo review by the CIPC to ensure compliance with relevant regulations. This process typically takes one to two days to complete, during which the commission will assess the uniqueness and suitability of your chosen name.

Finalizing Registration

Once your application is approved, you will receive confirmation from the CIPC, signaling the successful registration of your chosen name. At this stage, you can proceed with formalizing your business entity and embarking on your entrepreneurial journey.

The importance of your name

Whether embarking on a new venture or rebranding an existing enterprise, the power of a well-chosen name cannot be overstated – it`s the foundation upon which your brand identity and market presence are built.