Company and business names: Words and phrases you can't use without permission

The law says that certain words and phrases may not be used in a company or business name without permission.

Some require the approval of the Secretary of State for Trade. Others require the approval of some third party - often a regulatory or professional association, or another government department - before they can be used. These are sometimes called 'sensitive' words.

Click here to see these sensitive words, in alphabetical order. If you want to include any of these words in your company or business name, call us for advice.