Company Name Change in India – Process, Documents & Legal Compliance
- A name change is permitted under Section 13(2) of the Companies Act, 2013
- The company must pass a Special Resolution and get approval from the Registrar of Companies (RoC)
- Name should not be identical or misleading, as per Section 4(2) & 4(3) and Rule 8 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014
- Companies in default (e.g. pending filings or unpaid dues) cannot change names (Rule 29(1))
- Upon RoC approval, a new Certificate of Incorporation is issued
Need help?
Services
Company Name Change: Rebrand Legally & Strategically
Changing your company name under India's Companies Act, 2013 requires a formal process involving shareholder approval, regulatory filings, and post-change updates. This strategic rebranding:
- Maintains existing legal rights/obligations
- Enhances market positioning
- Aligns with new business visions Non-compliance risks: Rejection of new name, penalties (₹1,000/day), or operational disruptions. At Lawyers Legal Services, we execute name changes in 15 days with 100% ROC approval.
Governing Laws & Restrictions
- Section 13(2): Special resolution + ROC approval required.
- Section 4(2): New name must be unique (no existing trademark conflicts).
- Section 4(3): Government approval needed for words like "National"/"Bank". Restrictions:
- Defaulters in ROC filings/deposit repayments cannot change names.
- Names violating public interest are rejected.
When to Rebrand Your Business
Top motivations include:
- Structural Shifts: Converting private → public company (or vice versa).
- Rebranding: Refreshing market image (e.g., "Reliance Jio" → "Jio").
- Business Pivot: Aligning name with new services (e.g., "TechSolutions" → "HealthTech Innovations").
- Ownership Changes: Post-acquisition rebranding.
- Legal Compliance: ROC directive due to naming conflicts
Checklist for Seamless Transition
Core Filings:
- Form MGT-14 (Special Resolution)
- Form INC-24 (Name Approval)
- Altered MOA/AOA Supporting Papers:
- Board resolution copy
- EGM notice + attendance sheet
- Affidavit from directors
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- Current Incorporation Certificate
- Address proof Note: All documents require notarization/DSC.
5-Phase Legal Transition
- Board Resolution:
- Authorize name search + EGM planning.
- Name Reservation:
- Apply via RUN portal; ensure no conflicts.
- Shareholder Approval:
- Pass special resolution at EGM (≥75% votes).
- ROC Filings:
- Submit MGT-14 (within 30 days) → INC-24 (with fee).
- New Certificate:
- Receive amended Incorporation Certificate (Form INC-25). Timeline: 10–15 working days post-EGM.
Mandatory Updates After Rebranding
Within 15 days of the new certificate:
- Statutory Records: Update MOA/AOA, registers, seals.
- Financial Institutions: Notify banks (account name change).
- Tax Authorities:
- Revise PAN/TAN
- Update GST registration
- Licenses/Permits: Amend trade licenses, MSME registration.
- Public Presence:
- Website/social media rebranding
- New letterheads/business cards Penalty Alert: ₹10,000/day for delayed GST/PAN updates.
Your End-to-End Rebranding Partner
We guarantee hassle-free transitions: 🔹 Name Vetting: Trademark conflict checks + RUN filing. 🔹 Document Drafting: MOA/AOA amendments + EGM notices. 🔹 ROC Liaison: Fast-track MGT-14/INC-24 processing. 🔹 Post-Rebrand Support:
- PAN/GST updates
- License amendments
- Vendor/customer notifications 🔹 Compliance Safeguard: Deadline tracking + penalty protection.
Rebranding Queries Resolved
Q1: Can I revert to the old name later? Yes – Follow the same process after 3 years. Q2: Does name change affect GSTIN? Yes – File FORM GST REG-14 within 15 days. Q3: Are multiple name reservations allowed? No – Only one active RUN application permitted. Q4: What if ROC rejects the new name? Reapply with modified name (no extra fee).
Launch Your New Identity in 15 Days!
Don’t let complex paperwork delay your rebrand. CA Vakeel offers:
- Free name availability check
- 48-hour document drafting
- Real-time application tracking
📞 Helpline: +91 98765 43210 📧 Email: contact@yourlegalfirm.com 🖱️ Immediate Start: Begin Name Change Now "From Old Identity to New Legacy: We Transform Your Brand Legally!"