LLP Naming Requirements: 2026/27 Companies House Guide

Updated for 2026/27. A UK limited liability partnership must choose a lawful, distinguishable name and use it consistently on public filings and business communications. Companies House acceptance does not automatically give trade mark rights or protect the LLP from a passing-off claim.

Required ending

The registered name must normally end with “Limited Liability Partnership”, “LLP” or an accepted Welsh equivalent where applicable. The ending tells customers and creditors that they are dealing with an LLP rather than a general partnership or limited company.

The name must be available

Companies House can reject a name that is the same as one already on the register after disregarding specified differences such as punctuation, certain characters or words. A name that is technically available may still be challenged if it is too similar to an existing registered name and causes confusion.

Search the Companies House register, domain names, social media and the UK Intellectual Property Office trade mark database before filing. These searches answer different questions: a Companies House name can be available while infringing someone else’s trade mark.

Sensitive words and expressions

Some words imply government, public authority, regulated status, national importance or a particular professional function. Using them may require approval from the relevant body and supporting evidence. Examples can include words connected with banking, insurance, trusts, government bodies, professional qualifications or protected institutions.

Do not add a sensitive term merely to make the name sound authoritative. Check the current Companies House list and obtain written approval before submitting the incorporation or name-change application.

Names Companies House can reject

A name may be refused where it:

• Is the same as an existing registered name under the statutory comparison rules
• Contains a sensitive word without the necessary approval
• Suggests a connection with government, a public authority or an international organisation without justification
• Is offensive or involves prohibited content
• Is intended to facilitate fraud or another unlawful purpose
• Contains characters or formatting that the filing system does not accept

Companies House has strengthened powers to query and direct changes to problematic names. Registration should therefore be supported by a genuine business rationale and accurate contact information.

Trade marks and passing off

Companies House registration is not a trade mark clearance. A trade mark owner may object to use of a similar name for related goods or services. A business with established goodwill may also bring a passing-off claim even without a registered mark. Obtain intellectual-property advice before investing heavily in branding where the risk is material.

Choosing a practical name

• Keep it easy to spell, pronounce and search
• Avoid a name tied too narrowly to one service or town if expansion is planned
• Check the matching web domain and email security implications
• Consider how it will appear without punctuation in search results
• Avoid wording that could mislead clients about qualifications or regulation
• Check overseas meaning if the LLP will trade internationally

Changing an LLP name

Members can usually change the name using the procedure in the LLP agreement and the required Companies House filing. The change takes legal effect when Companies House registers it and issues a certificate. Afterwards, update HMRC, banks, insurers, regulators, clients, contracts, invoices, licences, domain names and data-protection records.

A name change does not create a new LLP or cancel existing contracts and debts. Keep evidence linking the old and new names where customers or suppliers may need it.

Information to show on websites and documents

Business letters, order forms and websites should display the LLP’s registered name, registration number, place of registration and registered office address. The registered name should also be displayed at required business locations, subject to applicable exceptions. Invoices must meet separate tax and VAT information rules.

Example clearance process

1. Create a shortlist of three names.
2. Search Companies House for identical and similar names.
3. Search UK trade marks and the wider market.
4. Check sensitive-word approval requirements.
5. Secure suitable domains without misrepresenting registration.
6. File the chosen name and wait for acceptance before launching branding.

Use the official Companies House naming guidance and the UK trade mark search. For the formation process, read our LLP registration guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can two businesses use similar names?

Possibly, but Companies House rules, trade marks and passing off can still prevent or challenge the use. Similarity should be assessed before filing.

Can an LLP trade under another name?

It may use a business name, but the same restrictions can apply and legal documents must still identify the registered LLP correctly.

Does reserving a domain reserve the LLP name?

No. Domain registration, Companies House registration and trade mark protection are separate.

This article provides general information and not legal or intellectual-property advice.