Company Names Tribunal: How to Challenge a Similar Name

What is the Company Names Tribunal?

The Company Names Tribunal is a government body that handles disputes about company names registered at Companies House. If another company has registered a name that is the same as, or too similar to, a name in which you have goodwill, you can apply to the tribunal to order them to change it.

The tribunal was established under section 69 of the Companies Act 2006. It is part of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and provides a relatively quick, affordable alternative to court proceedings.

When can you use it?

You can apply to the Company Names Tribunal when:

• •A company registered at Companies House has a name identical or similar to yours
• •You had goodwill in the name before the other company registered theirs
• •The other company's name is likely to cause confusion or suggest a connection with your business

Importantly, the tribunal only deals with limited company names registered at Companies House. It cannot handle disputes about trading names used by sole traders or partnerships, domain names, or trademarks. For those, you need different processes.

How the process works

1. Submit your application. File your complaint through the IPO website. You will need to explain your connection to the name, when you started using it, and why the other company's name causes problems. The application fee is 150 pounds.

2. The respondent replies. The other company has a set period to respond to your complaint. They can argue that their registration is legitimate and that there is no confusion.

3. Evidence rounds. Both sides submit evidence supporting their position. This might include trading records, invoices, marketing materials, website screenshots, customer testimonials, and any evidence of actual confusion.

4. Decision. A tribunal adjudicator reviews the evidence and makes a decision. If the complaint succeeds, the other company is ordered to change its name within a specified period (usually 28 days). If they fail to comply, Companies House can change the name on their behalf.

What evidence do you need?

The tribunal looks for evidence of "goodwill" in your name. Strong evidence includes:

• •Trading history. Invoices, contracts, and financial records showing you have been trading under the name
• •Marketing materials. Advertisements, brochures, business cards, and website archives
• •Customer recognition. Testimonials or correspondence showing customers know you by that name
• •Media coverage. Press mentions, reviews, or directory listings
• •Evidence of confusion. Emails, calls, or reviews from customers who mixed up the two businesses

Tips for a strong application

• •Apply as soon as you discover the problem. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes
• •Gather comprehensive evidence before filing. Quality of evidence matters more than quantity
• •Be specific about the confusion or damage caused
• •If you also have a registered trademark, mention it, as this strengthens your case significantly

What the tribunal cannot do

The tribunal can order a company to change its name, but it cannot award damages or compensation. If you have suffered financial loss, you would need to pursue a separate claim through the courts.

Not sure if another company is using a name too similar to yours? Run a free scan at GuardMyBusiness to search Companies House and 11 other databases simultaneously.