Choosing the right company name is the first and most critical step in registering a business in Nepal. A strong, legally available name not only defines your brand identity but also determines whether your company registration application will be accepted or rejected by the government.
Many entrepreneurs face delays because their proposed company name is already taken, confusingly similar, misleading, or legally restricted. This guide explains how to check company name availability in Nepal, the legal rules governing company names, common rejection reasons, and best practices to get approval on the first try.
Why Company Name Availability Check Is Important in Nepal
Before registering a company, Nepalese law requires that the proposed name must:
Be unique and distinguishable
Not mislead the public
Not violate trademark or intellectual property laws
Not conflict with existing registered companies
Not contain restricted or sensitive words
Failing to check availability properly can result in:
Name rejection by OCR
Delays of weeks or months
Extra legal and registration costs
Forced rebranding after approval
Authority Responsible for Company Name Registration in Nepal
Company names in Nepal are approved and registered by the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR).
The OCR:
Maintains the official company name database
Approves or rejects proposed names
Registers companies under the Company Act
Ensures compliance with naming laws
All company name availability checks are ultimately verified against OCR records.
Legal Basis for Company Name Approval in Nepal
Company naming is governed by:
Company Act, 2063 (2006)
Company Registration Regulations
Trademark and IP laws
OCR internal directives and guidelines
Under these laws, OCR has full authority to approve, reserve, or reject a company name.
Step-by-Step: How to Check Company Name Availability in Nepal
Step 1: Decide the Business Structure
First, identify the type of entity:
Public Limited Company
Non-Profit Company
Foreign Branch or Liaison Office
Name rules apply slightly differently to each category.
Step 2: Prepare Multiple Name Options
Always prepare at least 3–5 alternative names.
Why?
Your first choice may already be taken
OCR may reject names that are “too similar”
Backup names save time
Example:
ABC Tech Pvt. Ltd.
ABC Technologies Nepal Pvt. Ltd.
ABC Digital Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Step 3: Search Existing Company Names (Online Method)
OCR provides an online company name search facility through its official system.
You should:
Search exact name
Search partial words
Search similar spellings
Search abbreviations
Example:
If your proposed name is Everest Solutions Pvt. Ltd., also search:
Everest Solution
Everest Tech
Everest Services
Everest Group
OCR often rejects names that are confusingly similar, not just identical.
Step 4: Check Trademark Conflicts
Even if a company name appears available, it may still conflict with a registered trademark.
Before finalizing:
Check trademark records
Avoid famous brand names
Avoid internationally known marks
Example:
Using names similar to “Google”, “Apple”, “Tesla”, or “Nike” will almost certainly be rejected.
Step 5: Check Restricted & Prohibited Words
OCR restricts or closely scrutinizes names containing:
- Government-related terms
- Financial authority terms
- International body names
- Sensitive or misleading words
Examples of restricted words:
Bank
Finance
Insurance
Government
Authority
Nepal (sometimes restricted)
United Nations
World Bank
Such words require special approval or licenses.
Step 6: Submit Name Reservation Application
Once satisfied:
Submit name through OCR system
Choose company type
Attach basic details
If approved:
Name is reserved
You can proceed with full company registration
5. How OCR Evaluates Company Names
OCR checks names based on:
A. Uniqueness
Name must not be identical or deceptively similar.
B. Public Confusion
Names that mislead consumers are rejected.
C. Legal Sensitivity
Names implying regulated activities without license are rejected.
D. Moral & Cultural Acceptability
Names containing offensive or unethical words are rejected.
Common Reasons Company Names Are Rejected in Nepal
Understanding rejection reasons helps you avoid mistakes.
Most Common Rejection Causes
Similar spelling or pronunciation
Use of restricted words
Trademark conflicts
Use of “Nepal” without justification
Use of “Bank”, “Finance”, “Insurance” without license
Too generic or misleading name
Can You Reserve a Company Name in Nepal?
Yes.
Once approved:
Name is temporarily reserved
Reservation is valid during registration period
If registration is not completed, reservation may expire
It’s best to complete registration immediately after approval.
Difference Between Company Name & Trademark in Nepal
Many people confuse the two.
| Company Name | Trademark |
|---|---|
| Registered at OCR | Registered at Department of Industry |
| Identifies legal entity | Protects brand |
| Limited protection | Strong IP protection |
| Does not stop others from similar branding | Gives exclusive rights |
Tips to Get Company Name Approved Faster
- Use unique words
- Avoid restricted terms
- Add descriptive terms (Solutions, Services, Nepal, Group
- Avoid famous brand similarities
- Do trademark check
- Submit multiple options
Can Foreign Companies Check Name Availability in Nepal?
Yes. Foreign investors must:
Check availability
Ensure name consistency with parent company
Follow FITTA and OCR guidelines
Sometimes, foreign parent names are allowed with approval.
What Happens After Name Approval?
After approval:
Draft MOA & AOA
Submit shareholder details
Pay registration fees
Obtain company registration certificate
Apply for PAN/VAT
Open bank account
Name approval is just Step One, but the most crucial one.
Final Checklist Before Submitting Name
- Checked OCR database
- Checked similar spellings
- Checked trademarks
- Avoided restricted words
- Prepared backup names
Conclusion
Checking company name availability in Nepal is more than a simple search it is a legal compliance process governed by company law, trademark principles, and public interest considerations. A well-researched, distinctive name not only speeds up registration but also protects your brand in the long run.
By following proper name search methods, understanding OCR rules, and avoiding common mistakes.
FAQs
1. How can I check company name availability in Nepal?
You can check through the OCR online system by searching existing registered company names and similar variations.
2. Can two companies have the same name in Nepal?
No. Company names must be unique and not confusingly similar.
3. How long does company name approval take in Nepal?
Usually same day to 1–2 working days, depending on OCR workload.
4. Can I use “Nepal” in my company name?
Sometimes yes, but OCR may require justification or special approval.
5. Is name approval guaranteed if it shows available online?
No. Final approval depends on OCR’s legal review, not just database availability.
6. Can OCR reject a name even if no exact match exists?
Yes. OCR rejects names that are deceptively similar or misleading.
7. Should I register trademark before company registration?
Not mandatory, but highly recommended for brand protection.
