MCA Company Name Search India 2025: Why It’s Crucial for New Company Registration

Choosing a company name is one of the first and most critical steps in registering a business in India. The MCA company name search is the official process, offered by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), to help you find a unique and legally valid company name before registration. This step minimizes the risk of rejection and potential legal issues, ensuring your business starts on the right foot.

What is MCA Company Name Search?

The MCA company name search is a free government tool on the MCA portal (www.mca.gov.in) that enables entrepreneurs to check whether their desired name is already in use or too similar to existing registered companies and LLPs. It’s designed to:

  • Ensure your proposed name isn’t taken, duplicated, or infringing trademarks.

  • Comply with the Companies Act, 2013 and government naming guidelines.

  • Streamline the process and reduce failed incorporation attempts.

Why is Company Name Search Important?

  • It prevents legal complications by avoiding trademark and name conflicts.

  • It helps create a unique brand identity for your business.

  • It increases the likelihood of speedy approval under RUN (Reserve Unique Name) or SPICe+ forms.

Step-By-Step Guide: Using the MCA Company Name Search Tool

Step 1: Visit the MCA Portal

Go to www.mca.gov.in – the Ministry of Corporate Affairs’ official website.

Step 2: Access MCA Services

Select ‘MCA Services’ from the menu, then choose ‘Company Services’ > ‘Check Company Name’.

Step 3: Enter the Proposed Name

Type your desired name (excluding Pvt Ltd/LLP/other suffixes) and search. The system checks for:

  • Identical or similar names already registered

  • Rule violations such as forbidden words or misleading terms

Step 4: Review Results

You’ll see whether the name is available, conflicts exist, or recommended changes. Adjust and retry as needed to meet government requirements.

Legal Guidelines for Choosing a Company Name

Under Rule 8 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014, your name must adhere to these:

  • Uniqueness: Not identical or deceptively similar to any registered entity or trademark.

  • No offensive or misleading words: Completely avoid names that could be considered offensive, vulgar or misleading to the public.

  • Restricted and government words: Names like “Bank”, “Stock Exchange”, “Insurance” require approval.

  • Trademark conflicts: If your name matches a trademark, provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or choose another.

Extra Checks to Make Before Reserving Your Name

  • Trademark Search: Use the IP India portal (https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch) to avoid trademark overlap.

  • Domain Name Availability: For an online presence, ensure your website domain is available.

  • Google & Social Media: Make sure no informal or popular businesses are using the name.

  • Phonetic Similarity: Avoid names that sound like existing ones even if spelled differently.

How to Reserve Your Company Name After Search

  • RUN (Reserve Unique Name) Webform: For name reservation before incorporation.

  • SPICe+ Form: Direct incorporation with simultaneous name reservation plus PAN, TAN, GST, ESIC, bank account setup.

  • Validity: Reserved name is valid for 20 days (new company) or 60 days (change of name).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using generic words (like “Solutions”, “Consultancy”) that are too broad

  • Ignoring trademark conflicts or required approvals for restricted words

  • Neglecting phonetic and spelling-based similarities

  • Assuming a domain name guarantees legal company name availability

FAQs on MCA Company Name Search

Is it free?
Yes, MCA name search is a free public service.

How many names can I check?
You can search one at a time, unlimited times.

Can I reserve a name before full registration?
Yes, via the RUN form.

What happens if my name is taken?
You must alter the name and re-check for availability.

Is trademark search mandatory?
Strongly recommended to avoid legal disputes and ensure approval.

Can I use my personal name in the company name?
Yes, as long as it’s distinctive and not matching other registered entities.

What is the fee for name reservation?
₹1,000 for each RUN form submission.

What is the validity of a reserved name?
20 days for new incorporations, 60 days for name change.

Does MCA approval guarantee incorporation?
No, final ROC approval depends on full application accuracy and compliance.

How can Tradeviser help?

Tradeviser offers deep MCA and trademark checks, assists with the RUN/SPICe+ process, and resolves ROC queries for faster, confident name approval.

Need Help With MCA Company Name Search?
Tradeviser’s Expert Consultancy Services guide you through each step from checking name availability and resolving trademark issues to smooth filing and quick government approval. Contact us to reserve your business’s name and get your company started on the right track.