Name Change – Company
Company Name Change Services in India
Change Your Company Name With Professional Assistance
CA India provides company name change services to help businesses navigate name availability checks, shareholder approvals, MCA filings,
and the issuance of an updated Certificate of Incorporation.
What is a Company Name Change?
A company name change is the legal process through which an existing registered company adopts a new name after completing the applicable approvals and statutory filings.
In India, a voluntary change of company name is generally governed by Section 13 of the Companies Act, 2013, along with the relevant rules under the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014.
The proposed name must satisfy the applicable MCA naming requirements and receive the necessary approvals.
Eligibility and Requirements for Changing a Company Name
Before beginning the company name change process, it is important to confirm that the proposed name and the company’s compliance status meet the applicable requirements.
Proposed Name Availability
The proposed name must comply with MCA naming rules. It should not be prohibited, undesirable, or identical or too similar to an existing company name or relevant registered trademark under the applicable rules.
Name Reservation
The proposed name is generally submitted through the MCA’s Reserve Unique Name (RUN) service for an existing company. Name reservation is a separate step from final approval of the company name change.
Shareholder Approval
A voluntary change of company name generally requires a special resolution passed by the shareholders and the associated amendment to the company’s Memorandum of Association (MOA).
Statutory Filings
The company must complete the applicable MCA filings, including Form MGT-14 for the special resolution and Form INC-24 for approval of the name change, subject to the applicable requirements.
Outstanding Compliance
Under the applicable incorporation rules, certain defaults in filing required docs or repaying matured deposits or debentures may prevent a company from changing its name until the relevant requirements cleared.
Special Naming Restrictions
Certain names, expressions, regulated terms, & names involving government or regulatory associations may require additional scrutiny or approvals. A proposed name should also be reviewed for potential trademark conflicts.
Company Name Change Procedure in India
The procedure involves several steps. CA India can help you understand and manage the applicable documentation and filings.
Step 1
Review the Proposed Name
Identify a suitable new name and check whether it complies with MCA naming requirements. A trademark search may also help identify potential conflicts that require further review.
Step 2
Obtain Board Approval
The board of directors considers the proposed name change and authorises the necessary steps, including the name reservation application and the process for obtaining shareholder approval.
Step 3
Apply for Name Reservation
Submit the proposed name through the applicable MCA RUN service. If the name is approved for reservation, proceed with the remaining statutory steps within the relevant validity period.
Step 4
Pass a Special Resolution
Convene the appropriate general meeting, following the applicable notice & procedural requirements. Shareholders must pass a special resolution approving the name change and the necessary alteration to the MOA.
Step 5
File Form MGT-14
File Form MGT-14 with the Registrar of Companies within the prescribed period for reporting the special resolution, along with the required supporting documents.
Step 6
Submit Form INC-24
After completing the required resolution filing steps, submit Form INC-24 to seek approval for the company name change. The application must include the prescribed particulars and supporting documents.
Step 7
Special Resolution
Once the application is approved, the Registrar issues the updated Certificate of Incorporation reflecting the new company name. The legal name change is effective from the date specified in the certificate.
Why Choose CA India for Company Name Change?
Changing a company’s legal name involves more than selecting a new name. It requires the right approvals, accurate documentation, and completion of the applicable statutory filings.
Name Reservation Assistance
Get support with the proposed name and the applicable MCA reservation process.
Documentation and Resolution Support
Organise the board and shareholder documentation required for the name change, subject to the agreed service scope.
MCA Filing
Assistance
Receive assistance with applicable filings, including Form MGT-14 and Form INC-24.
Compliance Requirement Review
Identify relevant compliance issues that may need to be addressed before proceeding with the application.
Post-Approval Guidance
Understand the records and registrations that may need updating after the new Certificate of Incorporation is issued.
Support Throughout the Process
Get help understanding the sequence of steps, required documents, and next actions relevant to your company’s name change.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my company’s name after incorporation?
Yes. An existing company can generally change its name by following the applicable procedure under the Companies Act, 2013, including name reservation, shareholder approval, statutory filings, and approval of the name change.
Which forms are required to change a company’s name?
The process generally involves the MCA RUN service for name reservation, Form MGT-14 for filing the special resolution, and Form INC-24 for approval of the name change. The exact requirements depend on the circumstances and current MCA procedures.
Is shareholder approval necessary for a company name change?
A voluntary company name change generally requires a special resolution passed by shareholders, along with the applicable amendment to the MOA. Certain specific situations may follow different legal procedures.
How long does it take to change a company’s name in India?
The timeline varies depending on name availability, document preparation, completion of statutory formalities, and regulatory processing. An accurate estimate can be provided after reviewing the company’s requirements.
Can my proposed company name be rejected?
Yes. A proposed name may be rejected if it conflicts with an existing name or trademark, violates the applicable naming rules, contains restricted expressions, or otherwise fails to meet the approval requirements.
Can a company change its name if it has pending ROC filings?
Outstanding filing defaults can affect eligibility for a name change under the applicable rules. The company’s compliance status should be reviewed and relevant defaults addressed before proceeding where required.
Does changing a company’s name create a new legal entity?
No. Ordinarily, the same company continues under its new approved name. The name change does not automatically extinguish existing rights, obligations, contracts, or legal proceedings.
Will the company’s CIN change after the name change?
A change of name ordinarily does not create a new company or require a new legal identity. The company’s CIN generally remains the same, while the updated Certificate of Incorporation records the new name.
Do I need to update my GST registration and bank account?
You should review your GST registration, bank account, tax records, licences, contracts, and other relevant registrations after the name change. The required updates and procedures depend on the applicable authority and your company’s circumstances.
Is a company name change the same as a trademark registration?
No. A company name change updates the company’s registered legal name. Trademark registration is a separate intellectual property process that can provide protection for a qualifying brand name or mark under the applicable law.