Dos and don’ts when using your business name

An excerpt from Lawpack's Limited Company Formation Kit.

As soon as you’ve formed your limited company, there are various rules on when and where you must show your company name. Here are the dos and don’ts when using your limited company name.

Use of limited company name - Rule #1

You must paint or affix your company name outside any office or place of business of your limited company. The company name should be conspicuous, well presented and easily legible.

Use of limited company name - Rule #2

The limited company name must be printed on business stationery and used in emails. Your company name should appear on:

All the limited company’s business letters
All emails
All notices and official publications of the limited company
All bills of exchange, promissory notes, endorsements, cheques, and orders for money or goods by or on behalf of the limited company
All bills, invoices, receipts and statements

Use of limited company name - Rule #3

On all the limited company’s business stationery and emails you must use your company name exactly as it appears on your Certificate of Incorporation. Remember to include the word ‘Limited’ or ‘Ltd’.

Use of limited company name - Rule #4

As well as business stationery and emails, your limited company name must also be printed on order forms and published on your limited company’s website.

As well as the company name, on your business stationery, emails, website and company order forms you must also include:

The limited company’s place of registration (e.g. registered in England and Wales, Scotland);
The limited company’s registration number (which you will find on your Certificate of Incorporation); and
The limited company’s registered office address (this is usually your limited company’s office).

Use of limited company name - Rule #5

Beware that if your limited company trades under a different name from its registered name, you may be personally liable for its debts. Unless, that is, you state the limited company’s registered name on all the company’s business stationery, emails, etc.

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