How to Reserve a Company Name in India?

Reserve a Company Name in India to set the foundation for your brand’s identity and legal standing. With expertly designed options like RUN and SPICe+, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs ensures this process is streamlined and secure. Through either method, you gain legal exclusivity and brand clarity, prepared to register your business confidently. In the section ahead, we will guide you through deciding between RUN and SPICe+, preparing your application accurately, navigating timelines, and avoiding common pitfalls. Let’s lay the groundwork for your company’s identity. This ensures it stands distinctive and is compliant from day one.

Why Should You Reserve a Company Name?

Let’s learn why you should reserve the name of your company.

1. Ensures Name Availability and Uniqueness

Reserving a company name helps prevent duplication by confirming that your desired name isn’t already taken or too similar to an existing company. This step also helps you avoid legal hassles later by protecting you from potential trademark or company name conflicts.

2. Secures Your Brand Identity Early

Your company name is your brand’s first impression. Reserving it lets you lock in your unique identity before someone else grabs it, ensuring that your brand stands out in the market.

3. Mandatory Step for Company Incorporation

Most countries’ corporate laws require name reservation before you can register a company. This means you cannot file for company incorporation without first reserving your desired company name.

4. Gives You Time to Finalize Business Plans

Name reservation usually holds your chosen name for a limited period (such as 60 to 90 days). This period gives you a window to complete the necessary paperwork and registration without the risk of losing your chosen name.

5. Builds Trust and Credibility

Having a reserved company name demonstrates seriousness and professionalism to investors, partners, and customers, helping build trust and credibility around your new venture.

6. Helps with Domain and Trademark Matching

Reserving your company name allows you to check domain name availability and trademarks at the same time. This ensures you can create a consistent digital presence and legal identity for your business.

Quick Pre-Checks to Select a Name

Before applying for name reservation, make sure your proposed name is truly available and won’t infringe on someone else’s rights.

• MCA Name Search for Existing Companies or LLPs

Indian law requires that a company’s name must be unique and not misleadingly similar to an existing entity. Use the MCA’s online name search portal, which includes both Company and LLP databases, to check whether your desired name or a close variant already exists. This simple step helps you avoid rejection and save time.

• Trademark Check on the IP India Portal

Even if your name is clear on the MCA portal, it may conflict with a registered trademark. The IP India portal lets you check trademarks by word, sound, or logo category. This protects you from legal trouble and future rebranding hassles.

These pre-checks searching on both MCA and IP India help you pick a name that’s legally safe and uniquely yours. Proceed with confidence to the next steps.

Name Reservation Routes

Reserving your business name properly ensures legal compliance and a smooth path to incorporation. Here are the two main methods available through the MCA portal:

• RUN (Reserve Unique Name)

The RUN service is ideal for existing companies or LLPs seeking to reserve a new name or change their current one under Section?4(4) and Rules 8/9 of the Companies Act?2013. You may propose up to two names in a single application. If your initial submission is rejected, MCA allows one free resubmission.

The fee is Rs.1,000 for companies and Rs.200 for LLPs, with approval valid for 20 days or 60 days for name changes in existing companies. The process is fully web-based, requires no DSC, and only a logged-in MCA account.

• SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma – Part A)

For entrepreneurs starting a new company, SPICe+ Part A streamlines name reservation alongside incorporation steps like DIN, PAN, and TAN applications. You can propose up to two names, with one resubmission allowed if needed?.

The fee is Rs.1,000, and the approved name remains valid for 20 days. This one-step process significantly simplifies the registration workflow and reduces the number of filings.

How to Reserve a Company Name in India?

Reserve a company name via the MCA’s official portal. It is the first crucial step toward establishing a legally sound and professionally branded business, ensuring uniqueness, compliance, and clarity right from the start.

Step 1: Log in to the MCA Portal

Use your registered credentials to access the MCA V3 portal before starting the name reservation process.

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Form (RUN or SPICe+ Part A)

Choose RUN for existing companies or LLP name changes, and SPICe+ Part A for reserving a name during new company incorporation.

Step 3: Enter Details and Proposed Names

Provide entity type, two name options, business activity/NIC codes, and attach supporting documents such as NOCs from trademark owners or regulatory approvals if using restricted words like “Bank” or “Insurance”.

Step 4: Run the Auto?Check for Availability

Use the portal’s auto-check to confirm that your proposed names comply with MCA rules and are not already taken.

Step 5: Pay the Fees

Pay Rs.1,000 or Rs.200 for LLPs under RUN to generate a Service Request Number and payment challan.

Step 6: Monitor the Application Status

Track the SRN on the portal; MCA may approve, reject, or ask for a single resubmission if required.

Step 7: Await Approval & Reservation Validity

RUN approvals typically arrive in 2–3 working days. The reservation is valid for 20 days, 60 days for name changes, while SPICe+ Part A takes 4–5 days with a 20-day validity.

Step 8: Request Extension if Needed

If you cannot proceed within the initial validity period, log in to extend through the portal extensions e.g., another 20 or 40 days are available for an additional fee.

Step 9: Move Ahead Within the Reserved Period

Once approved, file SPICe+ Part B for incorporation or submit your name change application before expiry. Missing the deadline means reapplying.

This updated process ensures your readers get a comprehensive and accurate guide covering login, form selection, details and documentation, payment, tracking, extensions, and next steps within India’s regulatory framework.

Company Name Reservation Validity

First, once your proposed name is approved, the MCA issues an approval letter via email, and your name turns reserved for 20 days or 60 days for existing companies changing their name. During this validity window, you must proceed with SPICe+ Part?B to begin company incorporation or complete the name-change formalities.

If your name is rejected, the MCA notifies you and gives you one chance to modify and resubmit your application, without an extra fee, within the deadline. Ensure you address the registry’s remarks before resubmitting.

This ensures readers clearly understand next steps, whether the name is approved or rejected, while aligning with MCA timelines and regulations.

Expert Tips to Reserve a Company Name

Below are proven tips to help your company name reservation go smoothly, saving time, avoiding rejection, and ensuring full compliance with India’s naming rules.

• Use a unique coined name with the proper suffix

Craft a distinctive name by combining a made-up word, a descriptor of your business, and the legally required suffix “Private Limited,” “Public Limited,” or “(OPC) “Private Limited”. This structure isn’t just creative, it is mandated under the Companies Act 2013 and MCA rules. This helps your company stand out confidently in the marketplace.

• Attach NOCs or regulatory approvals for special words

If your name includes sensitive terms like “Bank,” “Insurance,” “Stock Exchange,” or indicates government affiliation, you must attach No Objection Certificates from relevant authorities such as the RBI, IRDA, SEBI before filing. Even for personal names, a NOC signed by the individual is required to meet MCA compliance.

• Track your SRN immediately and act promptly.

Once the fee is paid, you receive a Service Request Number. Keep a close eye on its status, any delay in resubmission or failing to file SPICe+ Part?B within the validity period can cause you to lose your reserved name. Prompt action guards your reservation effectively.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping trademark checks can lead to serious brand conflicts and legal complications down the line. Even if your company name is unique under MCA rules, a matching registered trademark can result in lawsuits, forced rebranding, and financial penalties.
2. Using restricted words like “Bank,” “Insurance,” “Stock Exchange,” or similar terms without prior approval is a frequent reason for MCA rejections?. If your name requires such terms, secure NOCs from regulators, such as RBI, IRDA, or SEBI, before submitting your application.
3. Missing important deadlines for resubmission after rejection or filing Part?B post-approval is another common mistake. MCA name reservations expire quickly, 20 days or 60 for changes, so staying alert and acting promptly keeps your name secure and filings on track.

By avoiding these pitfalls, checking trademarks, handling restricted terms correctly, and meeting timelines, you set the stage for a smooth and legally compliant company name reservation in India.

Final Checklist before Submission

Here is the final checklist before submission, written clearly and understandably for Indian users:

• Unique & legally compliant name

Ensure your chosen name is distinct, meets MCA rules, and avoids similarity with existing records under Section?4 of the Companies Act 2013.

• Trademark clearance

Verify that no similar names are registered trademarks via the IP India portal. This prevents future legal conflicts.

• Correct form selected (RUN or SPICe+ Part A)

Choose RUN if you are changing or reserving a name for an existing entity; SPICe+ Part?A works for new company incorporation.

• All relevant details and supporting documents are ready

Have details like company type, business activity, or NIC code, and NOCs or regulatory clearances if your name includes restricted terms at hand.

• Fee paid and SRN generated

Complete the payment Rs.1,000 or Rs.200 for LLP via RUN, and note your Service Request Number for future tracking.

• Application tracked and approved

Monitor your SRN and be ready to resubmit if rejected or proceed once approved within the allotted days.

• Incorporation or name change filed within the validity period

Submit SPICe+ Part?B or necessary filings within 20 days and 60 days for name changes of name approval; extensions are available if needed.

Conclusion

Reserve a company name and complete the incorporation to take straightforward steps toward building a reputable and compliant business in India. At Online Legal India, our expert team can take the complexity out of company registration and GST filing by assisting you in the filing process. It ensures timely and accurate compliance. With our trusted, 100% online service, you get your GSTIN approved swiftly. This helps you focus on growing your venture. Visit Online Legal India today.