The company name, also known as the corporate name or trade name, is a legal term used to designate the official name under which a company is registered and conducts its commercial activities. It represents the legal identity of the company, distinct from trademarks or other names or symbols it may use for its products or services. Registered with the Companies Register, the company name is a crucial element of the company’s legal personality, allowing it to be identified in commercial transactions, contracts and dealings with the administration.
When choosing a company name, the business must adhere to certain rules regarding availability and non-confusion with existing names. The company name must not be misleading regarding the company’s activities or legal form, and it must not include protected or reserved terms without authorization.
The company name must be declared at the time of the company’s formation and appears on all official documents, such as invoices, contracts and official correspondence. It can be changed subject to an amendment of the company’s articles of association, usually by a decision of the shareholders or partners and it must be declared and registered with the Companies Register.
The company name also has a strategic dimension as it contributes to the company’s image and reputation and can influence the perception of customers, suppliers and investors. Therefore, the choice of a company name is often carefully considered to align the legal identity with the desired brand image.
In summary, the company name is more than just a name: it is at the heart of a company’s formal identity and plays an important role both legally and commercially.