Name Application - Stand Alone

What you need to know

A company name can be applied for on its own without completing the registration.   Once the name is approved, it is valid for 6 months during which time the company registration must be completed or the name will expire. 


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


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Frequently Asked Questions

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. 
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.   
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. 
No, CIPC does not allow symbols in a company name.  Any names using symbols will be rejected. Don`t do it. 
Usually the same day, assuming the CIPC is not experiencing problems.
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. 
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.  
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. 
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.
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 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. 
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. 
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. 
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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.
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