Introduction
Reserving a company name is a crucial first step in establishing a new business or registering a company in India. Entrepreneurs must conduct a thorough name search and verify the availability of their proposed name through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). This is done using the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service, which allows applicants to formally apply for name approval. Securing a unique and legally compliant name at the pre-incorporation stage helps prevent duplication and protects the name from being claimed by others, laying a solid foundation for the company’s identity and branding.
Under the Companies Act, 2013, a company name can only be reserved as part of the incorporation process. It is not possible to reserve a name independently without registering the business with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). For promoters who are not yet ready to commence operations, incorporating the company and maintaining it in a dormant status can be a practical option until the business is ready to launch.
A distinctive company name establishes a clear legal identity under the Companies Act, 2013, and fosters a strong brand presence. It also ensures compliance with key statutes, including the Companies Incorporation Rules, 2014; the Trade Marks Act, 1999; and the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950. By securing an exclusive name, the company minimizes the risk of legal challenges and enhances its market recognition.
Overview of Company Name Reservation Options
There are two primary approaches for reserving a company name:
- RUN (Reserve Unique Name) Web Service: Used for standalone name reservation (including name change for existing companies).
- SPICe+ Part A: Used for name reservation as part of the incorporation process for a proposed new company.
RUN (Reserve Unique Name) Service
RUN is a web service used for reserving a name for a new company it can also be used for changing its existing name. The web service helps you verify whether the name you’ve chosen for your company is unique.
1. Purpose
- Reserve a unique name for a new company or change the name of an existing company.
- Available for different company types: Private Limited, OPC, Section 8, IFSC, Unlimited, Nidhi, Producer Company.
2. Step-by-Step Filing Procedure
- Login to MCA Portal: Go to the MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) portal and log in with your user credentials.
- Access RUN Web Service: Navigate to ‘MCA Services’ > ‘Company Services’ > ‘RUN (Reserve Unique Name)’.
- New Request:
- Select the entity type and purpose (new company/ name change). o Enter up to two proposed names (in order of preference) with proper suffix (e.g., Private Limited, Limited).
- Enter main objects of the proposed company in brief.
- Attach relevant supporting documents,such as NOC from existing companies/holders, if required.
- No need for a digital signature; only submit via MCA user account.
- Auto-Check: The system performs an automatic name validation.
- Submission: Pay the prescribed fee and submit the form.
- Processing: The Central Registration Centre (CRC) reviews the submission, usually within 2-3 working days.
- Outcome: If approved, the name is reserved for 20 days. Use the approval letter to proceed with incorporation.
Documents Required for RUN
Usually, no mandatory documents. But:
- If the name is similar to an existing trademark or company, NOC (No Objection Certificate) may be needed.
- Relevant supporting documents (if claiming the use of specific words, e.g., regulated industries) may be attached.
Name reservation regulations
According to the laws governing the RUN form, there are certain regulations pertaining to the reservation of the names. Some of these rules are as follows:
- The name stated should not be identical to the name of any existing company registered under the Companies Act 2013.
- The name chosen should not constitute an offence under any law and should not be undesirable in the opinion of the Central Government.
- The company name should not have any word or expression that is likely to give the impression that the company is in any way connected to the Government, central or state, when it is actually not connected to the government, unless approval from the respective government authority has been attained.
SPICe+ (SPICe Plus) Form for Incorporation
The SPICe+ form is divided into two parts
- Part A: Name reservation (can be filed alone or together with Part B).
- Part B: Full company incorporation and multiple mandatory registrations (DIN, PAN, TAN, GSTIN, EPFO, ESIC, PT, bank account).
Step-by-Step Filing Procedure
A. SPICe+ Part A (Name Reservation)
- Log in to the MCA portal, go to ‘MCA Services’ > ‘SPICe+’
- Click on ‘New Application’ to start Part A.
- Enter company type, class, category, subcategory, main business division code (NIC code), and up to two proposed names.
- Use ‘Auto-Check’ for name validation and submit Part A for approval.
Quick Reference Table: RUN vs SPICe+ (Part A) for Name Reservation
|
Feature |
RUN (Reserve Unique Name) |
SPICe+ Part A |
| For | All companies (new/change name) | New companies (incorporation) |
| Digital Signature required? | No | Not for Part A, Yes for Part B |
| Linked to incorporation? | No (standalone) | Yes (integrated with SPICe+ Part B) |
| Approval time | 1–3 days | 1–3 days (same as RUN) |
| Name reservation
validity |
20 days | 20 days |
B. SPICe+ Part B (Incorporation & Allied Services)
- Accessible upon name approval (or simultaneously if Part A and B submitted together).
- Enter:
- Registered office address and proof
- Details of directors (with or without DIN) and first subscribers
- Capital structure (authorized/subscribed)
- Attachments as required (see below).
- Fill and submit linked forms (AGILE PRO-S for statutory registrations, eMOA & eAOA for bye-laws, INC-9 declaration, DIR-2).
- Download, sign using DSC (Digital Signature Certificate), and upload on MCA portal.
- Make payment; on successful processing, a Certificate of Incorporation (COI) is issued.
Documents Required for SPICe+
|
Document |
Purpose/Notes |
| Proof of identity
(Directors/Subscribers) |
PAN card (mandatory for Indian nationals),
Passport for NRI |
| Proof of address
(Directors/Subscribers) |
Aadhaar, Voter ID, Utility bill, Bank statement |
| Proof of registered office | Rental agreement/ownership deed and utility bill
(≤2 months old) |
| NOC from property owner | If office premise is rented/leased |
| DIR-2 (Consent to Act as Director) | Mandatory for every director |
| INC-9 (Declaration by Subscriber/First
Director) |
Mandatory, auto-generated and e-signed if <20 subscribers |
| MOA and AOA (e-MOA/e-AOA forms) | Charter and rules of the company |
| Passport size photo
(Directors/Subscribers) |
Soft copy (as required) |
| Corporate/Foreign promoters:
additional docs |
Board Resolution, Certificate of Incorporation, etc. as per case |
| Additional (as per specific cases) | Industry-specific NOC, trademark registry letter, etc. |
Points to Remember
Trademark Search:
Always check both MCA and IP India portals for name/trademark conflicts before submission to avoid rejection.
Suffixes:
Ensure application of correct company type suffix in the proposed name (e.g., ‘Private Limited’, ‘OPC Private Limited’, ‘Limited’).
Validity:
RUN reservation is valid for 20 days, SPICe+ Part A approval is also generally valid for 20 days to proceed with incorporation.
Practical Filing Tips
- Use the sample and help sections on MCA portal for latest format updates.
- Prepare high-quality PDFs for attachments (self-attested, clear scans).
- Double-check object clause wording and main division/NIC code.
- For Section 8, include words like “Foundation,” “Association” and proper declarations.
- Keep all statutory forms (DIR-2, INC-9, MOA, AOA) ready for swift e-filing.
Name reservation regulations under SPICe+
Some of these rules of name registration under SPICe form are as follows:
- When applying to reserve a company name, it is essential to ensure full compliance with the MCA naming guidelines. Failure to meet these standards may result in rejection.
- The proposed name must be unique and should not closely resemble the name of any existing company.
- The name should not have terms like “Bank,” “National,” or “Reserve,” which require prior approval from the central government.
- The name should not contain any words prohibited under Rule 8A or those restricted by the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act.
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Conclusion
Name reservation is the foundation of the incorporation process, ensuring your company’s identity is both unique and compliant with legal requirements. By following the prescribed procedures for company registration services in India and name reservation under the Companies Act and adhering to MCA guidelines, businesses can avoid delays and rejections. A clear understanding of this process not only streamlines incorporation but also sets the stage for a smooth and compliant business journey ahead.
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