What’s in this article
- The Importance of Choosing a Strategic and Compliant Business Name
- Company Names Which May Be Used in Hong Kong
- How a Business Owner in Hong Kong Selects a Company Name
- How the Selection of a Company Name in Hong Kong Is Related to Company Incorporation
- Changing the Name of a Company in Hong Kong
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Selecting a business name is a vital process which must be completed by any new business anywhere in the world. Such is also the case about companies based in Hong Kong. Any prospective business owner who owns a company which is to be easily identified, frequently discussed, and recommended by any customer of the business will be aided in this matter through the use of a well-chosen name for the business.
The name which is chosen by a new company owner for the business could have the potential to change its future because a suitable business name will usually bring about the success of the company. A distinctive and unique business name will also enable your company to stand out, thus allowing it to gain an advantage over its business rivals.
It is also important to select a business name which fits the business operations of the company.
The Importance of Choosing a Strategic and Compliant Business Name
Business owners who select a name which is in line with the business operations of the company will find it much easier for any potential clients or customers to contact and interact with the business. This in turn helps the business build its brand.
Business names can also help the business receive attention from the media. A business name that attracts media attention will increase public exposure for the business. This in turn will cause the business to be better able to advertise itself.
Clients will also find it much easier to remember the name and brand of the company in question.
The selection of a suitable business name is not only related to the branding of the business. A business with a well-selected name will find it much easier to receive potential investments. The business name also aids with strategizing as well as attracting the target audience.
Most importantly, the name of any company must be compliant with all laws and regulations related to company names in the country in which business operations are to be conducted.
Company Names Which May Be Used in Hong Kong
The process of selecting a company name for a company based in Hong Kong is comprised of several steps. When registering a company in Hong Kong, the owner must choose between an English or a Chinese name.
Those who decide to register a company with an English name must end the name of the company with the word “limited” while companies which have been registered with a Chinese name are to have the name end in the characters “有限公司”. A company name in Hong Kong cannot use a combination of English words and Chinese characters.
There are circumstances in which a company name may not be accepted for company name registration in Hong Kong. If the proposed name matches an existing name in the Registrar’s index, it will be rejected.
If a company name is deemed offensive, violates public interest, or could facilitate a crime, it will be denied registration.
How a Business Owner in Hong Kong Selects a Company Name
Choosing a business name can be challenging and may require input from professionals with experience in Hong Kong company registration.|
However, those who have made themselves familiar with the requirements and legal restrictions which involve the process of naming a business in Hong Kong will find the name selection process to be much easier.
Guidelines for Selecting and Registering a Company Name in Hong Kong
Those who select a company name in Hong Kong must understand the conditions under which a company name would be considered the same as another. If the company name is in English and the word “the” is used as the first word of the company name, any company name registered under the same name except for the word “the” will be considered as the same company name. Abbreviations are also considered to be the same word as the same abbreviation when spelt out in full. To ensure that a company name which has been selected is not a duplicate of another company name in Hong Kong, one can run a name search of the suggested company name through either the use of the Cyber Search Centre or Company Search Mobile Service.
Selecting a company name in Hong Kong should also be in line with the business objectives of the company for branding. If the name of the company indicates to some extent the services it provides, market penetration in Hong Kong will be made much easier.
When selecting a company name for registration in Hong Kong, it is essential to decide on which language, whether Chinese or English, will be used for the company name. Careful selection of the language is required so that the company owner will be able to arrive at a name which will facilitate the promotion of the company’s brand and identity.
How the Selection of a Company Name in Hong Kong Is Related to Company Incorporation
The selection of an approved company name is an important part of the company incorporation process in Hong Kong. Company names in Hong Kong must comply with local laws and align with the company’s objectives and purposes.
A suitable company name will also do much to ensure the future business success of the company. Company names in Hong Kong are not to be confused with corporate names. In Hong Kong, a corporate name is a translated domestic name registered by a non-resident.
Changing the Name of a Company in Hong Kong
Changing a business or company name in Hong Kong is possible. A company name can be changed to reflect a new direction or for branding purposes. In either case, the standard process and conditions which relate to the changing of a company name apply. Those who plan to change the name of a company in Hong Kong ought to prepare relevant documents to be signed. After the documents are signed, they are to be submitted to relevant authority figures of the government of Hong Kong. The fee for the filing of these documents is HK$295. After submission and fee payment, a new Certificate of Incorporation will be issued.
Conclusion
In summary, company naming is essential for the branding of a company. To start a company in Hong Kong, seek naming experts and understand the rules before registering the company name.
Fulfilling Hong Kong’s company name requirements allows one to proceed with owning and operating their new company.
FAQs
If you want to change your company name, the fees are HK$295.
There is no reason why the name of a Hong Kong company cannot be changed back to its prior name. However, any company owner who plans to undo the name change must undergo the complete name-changing process as if the company’s name were to be changed to an entirely new company name.
Although the spelling of an abbreviation and its full-spelling counterpart may differ, the meanings of the two names are exactly the same. For functional purposes, the two names ought to be regarded as the same name. Therefore, the company laws of Hong Kong rule that such names are to be treated as such.
According to the laws governing company names in Hong Kong, all company names are either to be entirely in English or entirely in Chinese so as to simplify the process of company name selection. Using a combination of these languages is a violation of the company laws of Hong Kong.
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
More Business Insights
Personal Income Tax in Hong Kong
How Foreigners Can Start a Business in Hong Kong
How common is the Expansion of Foreign Companies into Hong Kong?
Appointing Company Directors in Hong Kong
Can a Hong Kong company also have been Incorporated in another Country at the same time?
