A big part of forming a company is choosing a name. Why is this step so important? Because the name of the company is going to be a lasting one. It is going to be around for as long as your business is, and it is what your customers will associate and come to recognize when they hear the name of your business. A lot of thought and careful planning needs to go into the company name selection process.
Another important part of the company naming process is to conduct a company name search to determine whether your chosen name is already in use or too similar to an existing company name. If the name already exists, you will need to change it and if it is too similar to an already existing company, you may want to consider changing it too because you do not want to create confusion among your clients. There is also the risk that your company name may not get approved if a similar name already exists or is in use.
How to Conduct a Company Name Search
The company name search process would depend entirely on where your company is being set up. Different countries would have their own systems and processes in place with which company name searches are performed. In Malaysia, for example, the company name search process is done through the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).
Should an investor or entrepreneur choose to set up a company in Malaysia for example, the company name search process through the SSM would go through the following process:
- The first step is to log on to the SSM’s official website, which is the http://www.ssm-einfo.my/
- Once logged on to the website, the user will be required to register as an e-account member with the SSM before they can proceed to the next step.
- The user will be required to fill out an e-registration form and select a username and password to proceed with the membership signup.
- Once registered as a member, the user can then begin the company name search process by entering the desired company name into the search options displayed on the SSM’s website.
Once your company name search is complete and your chosen company name does not appear in the search results, congratulations! That means your chosen company name is most likely available for use.
You can then go ahead and submit an application with the SSM to have that name registered and reserved for your use officially. The SSM will then review your submitted company name and if approved, your company name will be reserved for up to three months which gives you time to completed the entire company registration process and submit all the necessary documents accordingly.
