Registration of a Business Name

Under  the Business Names Act of 1963 the registration of a business name is obligatory if any  individual  or  partnership  (whether individuals or  bodies corporate) or any body corporate carries on business under a name other than their own true  names  without any addition  thereto. Registration of a business name is required in the following circumstances:

  1. Where an individual uses a business name which differs in any way from his/her surname.
  1. Where a firm or partnership uses a business name which differs in any way from the true names of all partners who are individuals and  the  corporate names of all partners which are bodies corporate;
  1. Where a company uses  a business name which differs in any way from its full corporate name.
  1. Where a person having a place of business in the State carries  on  the  business  of publishing a newspaper.

More information about registering a business name can be found in the tabs below:

The particulars for registration are required to be furnished within one month of the date of the  adoption  of the name. If more than one month has elapsed they should be furnished as soon as possible.

The forms of application for registration, which are available from CFI are:

  • for an individual – RBN1
  • for a partnership – RBN1A
  • for a body corporate – RBN1B (being a company formed under the Irish companies Acts)
  • for any other body corporate – RBN1C

The following points should be noted with regard to the registration of a business name:

  1. It does not give protection against duplication of the name;
  1. It does  not imply  that  the name will necessarily prove  acceptable  subsequently as a company name;
  1. It does not  authorise  the  use  of  the  name  if  its use could be  prohibited for other reasons. It should not for instance be  taken as an indication that no rights (e.g. Trade Marks rights) exist in  the
  1. No comparison is made by the Registrar with the Trade Marks Index nor the Company Index or Business Names   It  is  advisable,  therefore, to investigate the possibility of others having rights in the name which is proposed to use before incurring expenditure on business  stationery  etc.  If you telephone me I can check  the  Company  Index  and  the Business Names Index on our CFI database.
  • Certificate of Registration
  • The Registrar issues a Certificate of Registration for each business name registered.
  • A Copy of the Certificate of Registration must be exhibited in a conspicuous position.
  • In the case of a firm or individual at the principle place of business and in every branch office or place where business is normally carried on:
  • In the case of a body corporate at its registered or principal office
  • In the State and in every branch office  or  place  where business is  normally carried on.

Once  a business name has been registered any letterheads, stationery, cheques  etc.  must  show both  the  proprietor  of  the  business  name,  i.e.  the individual, partnership or company, and the  business name itself. This is normally done  along  the  following lines “Joe  Bloggs  t/a Dublin Engineering Co.” The business name itself would appear  in  large type at the top  of  the  letterhead,  along  with all the other usual information such as address and telephone number. And the proprietors name would appear at the bottom in small type.

Should you wish us to complete the registration on your behalf, please confirm the relevant details for the type of business name you wish to register.

  • Business Name to be Registered
  • Principal Place of Business
  • Business Activities
  • Name of Body Corporate Owning the business name
  • Company Number of Body Corporate (if available)
  • Name of person authorised to sign the application on behalf of the Body Corporate.
Click Here to download an Application Form