Company Name Search & Reservation in Pakistan

Company Name Search and Name Reservation in Pakistan

Overview

1. What is Company Name Search?
2. Why Conduct an SECP Company Search?
3. Legal Guidelines for SECP Company Names
4. Choosing the Right Name
5. How to Perform an SECP Company Name Search
6. Conclusion

1. What is Company Name Search?

A Company Name Search with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is the essential first step in registering your business as a company. Once you’ve decided to formalize your business, it’s crucial to select a name that distinguishes your company in the marketplace. The SECP provides an online name search facility that allows you to check for available names and ensures your chosen name complies with legal requirements. Here we will guide you through selecting a unique and legally acceptable company name.

2. Why Conduct an SECP Company Search?

Performing an SECP company search is vital to determine if your desired name is already in use by another registered company. This search helps you finalize a name that meets SECP’s criteria for availability. The registrar will reject any name that is identical or too similar to an existing business in the same industry.

3. Legal Guidelines for SECP Company Names

While you have the freedom to choose a name for your company, the Companies Act of 2017 outlines specific restrictions. The SECP or the registrar can disallow names that:

• Are identical or similar to existing company names.
• Are inappropriate, undesirable, or deceptive.
• Offend religious sentiments.
• Suggest connections to government entities or foreign governments without authorization.
• Additionally, names that imply patronage from a notable figure or organization, or that require special licensing, are also prohibited.

4. Choosing the Right Name

When selecting a name for your company, consider the following:

Uniqueness: Your company name should stand out. Combine words creatively to form a distinctive name, such as “ProConsult” for a property consulting business.

Memorability: A name that is easy to remember will help clients find and refer your business more easily.

Relevance: Ideally, your company name should reflect the nature of your business, providing potential customers with an immediate understanding of what you offer.

Domain Availability: In today’s digital age, having a matching web domain is crucial. Check if your desired name is available as a domain to enhance your online presence.

Trademark Considerations: Ensure your chosen name is not already in use by checking the trademark registry. This step can help you avoid potential legal disputes.

Avoiding Prohibited Words: Before submitting your name reservation application, confirm that your name does not include any prohibited words as outlined by the SECP.

5. How to Perform an SECP Company Name Search

To conduct a name search, visit the SECP’s official name search page. You can search for your proposed company name using various criteria, such as:

• Exact name
• Names beginning with specific letters
• Names containing certain words

If your proposed name appears to be available, you can proceed to reserve it. Ensure that your name is attractive, relevant to your business, and has an available domain name. Once you have confirmed the name’s availability, log in to the SECP eZfile portal to reserve your chosen name, completing the necessary steps to register your company. 

6. Prohibited words for company name under Companies Act 2017, Pakistan

	Prohibited Words
1	Association or Foundation
2	Fund
3	Council
4	Chamber
5	Trust
6	Society
7	Assurance/Assurer/Insurance/Insurer/Re-Assurance/Re-Assurer/Re-Insurance/Re-Insurer
8	Board
9	Bahria/Askari/Fauji/Fazaiya/Cadet/Armed Forces or Forces/Army/Navy/Air Force/Shaheen/Military/Defence
10	Bank/Banking/Banker
11	Charter/Chartered
12	Corporation
13	Exchange/Bourse
14	Familiar Trade Names or Brand Names
15	Famous/Distinct Personalities
16	Federation
17	Federal
18	Province/Provincial/Sindh/Punjab/Baluchistan/Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or KPK/FATA/Gilgit Baltistan or FANA/ Azad Jammu & Kashmir or AJK
19	Group
20	Holding
21	Institute/Institution
22	Finance, Financial, Investment Finance, Investment Advisory, Leasing, Asset Management, Housing Finance, Modaraba, Venture Capital, Private Equity
23	Name of Company containing country name or nationality other than Pakistan
24	Name of Company containing names of two countries i.e., Pakistan/Pak and any other foreign country
25	New/Modern/The/Al/International/Company/Co./Inc./Firm/Partnership/LLP/LLC/Proprietor/ Enterprise/Mills/Factory
26	State
27	University
28	Federal Government, Provincial Government, Name depicting association with any foreign government, Name suggesting association with any political personality, Commission, Authority, Register or Registered, Co-operative, Bureau, Division, Department, Undertaking, Municipal, Union, Republic, Nation, President, Governor, Prime Minister, Chief Minister, Minister, Cabinet, Senate, National Assembly, Parliament/ Parliamentary, Statute/ Statutory, Court/ Judiciary/ Judge, Administrator.
29	Names of International bodies and abbreviations thereof including, but not limited to, United Nations, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, Organization of Islamic Conference, World Bank, International Finance Corporation, Asian Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, International Monetary Fund, Red Cross, Red Crescent.

7. Conclusion

Conducting a company name search is the foundational step in establishing a business in Pakistan i.e. Registering a Company in Pakistan. This process ensures that you select a unique name that complies with legal standards, paving the way for successful company registration. Utilize the SECP’s name search facility to find a suitable name that reflects your business identity and meets all regulatory requirements.