How to Quickly Check Hong Kong Company Name Availability: A Practical Guide for Entrepreneurs
Registering a unique and compliant company name is the first crucial step before establishing a company in Hong Kong. A name that duplicates an existing one or violates regulations may lead to application rejection and potential forced renaming later. This article details the company name search process, registration restrictions, and frequently asked questions, helping you efficiently navigate this initial hurdle.
I. Importance of Company Name Search
According to the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, a company name cannot be registered if it is identical or too similar to an existing name in the Register of Company Names. Furthermore, the Registrar may reject a name if it:
- Is similar to a statutory body or government department’s name, potentially misleading the public.
- Contains sensitive words (e.g., “bank,” “insurance,” etc., requiring special licenses).
- Relates to criminal offences or violates public interest.
Therefore, entrepreneurs must use the Companies Registry search system to confirm name availability before submitting a formal application, avoiding wasted time and money.
II. Step-by-Step Online Search Tutorial
Step 1: Access the Official Search System
- Web Version: Log in to the Companies Registry Online Search Centre
- Mobile Version: Use the Companies Registry Mobile Search Service
- No account registration is required; select “Guest User” to begin.
Step 2: Enter Personal Information and Search Purpose
- The system supports English, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese.
- Enter your real name and verification code, and select the search purpose (e.g., “Company Registration”).
Step 3: Select “Search by Full Name”
- Click on “Search” → “Company Name” in the menu.
- Use the full name for the search, including the ending words (e.g., “Limited Company,” “Limited”).
Step 4: Enter the Proposed Name
- For Chinese names, only Traditional Chinese characters are allowed. For English names, pay attention to capitalization and spacing.
- Examples:
- Correct Input: 「創智科技有限公司」or “Innovate Tech Limited”
- Incorrect Input: 「創智科技」(missing “有限公司”)
Step 5: Interpret the Search Results
- Name Already Registered: Shows “In Use” status; reconsider the name.
- Name Available: Shows “No matching record”; you can submit an application.
III. Key Restrictions on Company Name Registration
1. Criteria for “Identical Names”
- Ignoring specific word differences:
- Omission of “Company,” “Limited,” etc., at the end of English names.
- Omission of 「公司」, 「有限公司」, etc., at the end of Chinese names.
- Special words considered the same:
- “Hongkong,” “Hong Kong,” “HK”
- “&” and “and”
- Some interchangeable Chinese characters (e.g., 「豐」and 「丰」)
2. Prohibited Combinations
- Mixed Chinese and English names: e.g., “Innovation Tech Limited Company”
- Unauthorized government-related words: e.g., “Hong Kong Monetary Authority”
- Previously rejected names: Unless approval is obtained from the Registrar.
IV. Frequently Asked Questions for Entrepreneurs
Q1: Can I register only a Chinese or English name?
You can choose to register either a Chinese or English name only, or both. However, English names must end with “Limited,” not “Ltd.”
Q2: How to handle name infringement?
If another company uses a “too similar” name after your registration, you can submit an objection to the Registrar, providing evidence of confusion. The Registrar has the power to order a name change within 12 months.
Q3: Is the company name the same as a trademark?
Absolutely not! The Companies Registry and the Trade Marks Registry are separate systems. Even if the company name is available, you still need to apply for trademark protection separately to prevent others from imitating it.
Q4: How to change a registered company name?
- Submit Form NNC2 within 15 days of passing a special resolution.
- Pay a fee of HK$295.
- The name change takes effect immediately upon issuance of the certificate of name change.
V. Three Key Considerations During the Search Process
1. Strictly Differentiate “Full Name Search” and “Name Beginning Search”
- Full Name Search: Used to confirm if the complete name is already taken.
- Name Beginning Search: Used to search for similar names (ending words are omitted).
2. Avoid Entering Simplified Chinese Characters or Incorrect Formats
- Entering Simplified Chinese characters or special symbols may lead to incorrect “No matching record” results.
- Pay attention to capitalization and spacing in English names (e.g., “InnovateTech” and “Innovate Tech” are considered different).
3. Free Access to the List of Previously Used Names
If the proposed name has been previously changed, you can view the historical record on the search results page for free to ensure there is no conflict.
Conclusion: Efficient Entrepreneurship Starts with “Naming”
Hong Kong, as a global business hub, has a rigorous yet transparent company registration process. By effectively utilizing the official search tools, entrepreneurs can quickly identify compliant names, laying a solid foundation for future operations. Remember: a name is not only the face of your company but also relates to legal risks and brand development. Act now and give your entrepreneurial journey a head start!