Question & AnswerQ&A (SEC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 14)
The corporate name must contain the word "Corporation" or its abbreviation "Corp.", or "Incorporated", or "Inc.".
A partnership name shall contain the word "Company" or "Co." For limited partnership, the term "Limited" or "Ltd." must be included. Professional partnerships may omit the word "Company."
No, the name must not be identical, misleading, or confusingly similar to one already registered by another corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship with the relevant government agencies.
The proposed name must contain at least one distinctive word different from the name of the company already registered.
No, it cannot be used without the consent of the owner of such tradename or trademark.
Yes, the consent of the person or their heirs must be submitted unless the person is a stockholder, member, partner, or a declared national hero. If the person cannot be identified or is non-existent, an explanation is required.
The meaning of the initials in the name must be disclosed in writing by the registrant.
Yes, certain words such as "Finance" (if not engaged in financing business), "Engineer", "Bank", "United Nations", and others cited by specific laws, as well as words prohibited by policy like "Investment(s)" (if not an investment company), "National", "Asean", "Calabarzon", and "Philippines 2000", cannot be used.
The name of a dissolved firm shall not be used by other firms within three years after the approval of the dissolution by the Commission, unless allowed by the last stockholders representing at least majority of the outstanding capital stock.
They must submit a letter undertaking to change their corporate or partnership name in case another person or firm has acquired a prior right to the use of the name or if it is deceptively or confusingly similar to one already registered.