Guidance

Re-use of company names

Detailed information about the restrictions on the re-use of company names, when a director can re-use a company name after insolvent liquidation, how to apply for permission to use a prohibited name and how to complain.

Documents

Details

There are restrictions on the re-use of a company name, or similar, by directors when a company goes into insolvent liquidation. This publication provides detailed guidance covering:

  • what is a prohibited name
  • the restrictions
  • when a prohibited name can be used
  • what action a director should take if they are breaching the rules
  • changing a company or business name
  • applying for permission to re-use a prohibited name
  • how to complain if somebody is re-using a prohibited name

This publication provides general information only. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate, but it is not a full and authoritative statement of the law and you should not rely on it as such. The Insolvency Service cannot accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions as a result of negligence or otherwise.

Updates to this page

Published 25 July 2018
Last updated 21 November 2019 + show all updates
  1. The changes made are: • to reflect changes arising from the commencement of the Insolvency (Scotland) (Receivership and Winding Up) Rules 2018, Part 12 • to better clarify rule 22.4 • minor change in address for CaT

  2. Updated to reflect change in legal advice regarding the definition of ‘completion of the arrangements’

  3. First published.

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