Isle Of Man - Register a Business Name

ProcedureEdit

Check first if the name that you choose for your business is available - Check name availability.
If the name is available you may start the registration process.
A link is provided under "Documents to Use" section which you can use to download the forms needed for registration.
There are three main types of application forms to register a Business Name:
1. RBN1 - Application by an individual
2. RBN1A - Application by a partnership of two or more individuals or companies
3. RBN1B - Application by a corporate body
Complete the appropriate form. If possible include a contact telephone number.
The form should then be sent to the Companies Registry along with the registration fee of
You can only register the Business Name once you have commenced business and you should apply for registration within one month of commencing business.
Once processed, a Certificate of Registration will be issued showing the Business Name, place of business and date of registration.

Required DocumentsEdit

List down the documents required for successfully completing the procedure.

e.g.
1. Proof of child birth from the Hospital.

Office Locations & ContactsEdit

Companies Registry
PO Box 345
St George's Court
Upper Church Street
Douglas
Isle of Man
IM99 2QS
Telephone:+44 1624 689389
Fax:+44 1624 689397

Opening hours:

Telephone lines
Monday to Thursday: 9am to 5pm
Friday: 9.15am to 5pm

Public counter
Monday to Thursday: 9am to 4.30pm
Friday: 9.15am to 4.30pm

The office is closed until 11am on the first Wednesday of every month for staff training.

EligibilityEdit

Registration is required if:

a person uses a name that is in any way different from their own true name (true name means the surname only or the surname with the addition of his forenames or their initials) or
a firm (partnership) uses a name that is in any way different from the true names of all the partners, or
a company uses a name that is in any way different from its full corporate name or
a person acts as agent on behalf of another person or company.

Registration is NOT required when business is carried on by a trustee in bankruptcy or by a receiver or manager appointed by a court. Before registering, applicants should also check that the proposed name doesn't already have a trade mark registered against it.

FeesEdit

Registration fee : 50.00

ValidityEdit

Annual declaration Businesses that has registered a business name is required to file an annual declaration in the Companies Registry confirming they continue to trade and that there have been no changes to the particulars required to be delivered to the department.

The declaration should be filed each year on the anniversary of the name being registered. There is no registration fee.

Documents to UseEdit

Sample DocumentsEdit

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

Processing TimeEdit

Please explain processing time taken in obtaining the document/certificate.

InstructionsEdit

Choosing a business name:

Make sure that the name you are thinking for you company or business is available and acceptable for registration, this will save you time and money.
Use a name that is unique, distinct and not too similar to that of another company or business, especially one in a similar line of business.
The following names may likely be refused:
- names that are identical to a company or business name already registered in the Isle of Man;
- names that are descriptive of a business activity but not distinctive;
- names that are identical to a company known to exist elsewhere;
- names that are grandiose and imply the company is in some way pre-eminent in its field (unless this is the case);
- names that are not conducive to the good name of the Isle of Man;
- names that are similar enough to an existing company or business name already registered in the Isle of Man, or known to be registered elsewhere, to cause confusion in the minds of those who might deal with the other business;
- contain restricted words and phrases such as 'Bank' or 'Building Society';
- contain words which imply royal patronage or connection, e.g. 'Royal', 'Royalty', 'King', 'Queen', 'Prince', 'Princess', 'Windsor';
- do not contain an approved suffix, where one is required;
- imply the company will be undertaking a regulated activity, without holding the appropriate licence;
- were used by a company that has been struck off or dissolved in the preceding 5 years;
- would indicate that the company may be engaging in illegal activities;
- are registered for the main purpose of obtaining money (or other consideration) from a person who has goodwill in the same or sufficiently similar name elsewhere;
- imply a relationship or association with a government department or statutory board.

Required InformationEdit

A list which displays the kind of information which is required to complete the procedure.
e.g.
1. Date of Birth.
2. City or County of Birth.

Need for the DocumentEdit

This procedure provides you information on how a business name is registered in Isle of Man.

Information which might helpEdit

A business name is simply a name or title under which a person, a company or a partnership trades. It not only identifies the business, but also allows the business to differentiate itself from its competitors and helps in connecting the customers to the business and the brand. For many businesses, the name is often its most valuable asset.

External LinksEdit

Official Isle of Man Government Website

OthersEdit

More information which might help people.