How do I choose a name for my enterprise?
Last updated: 2 August 2024.
Here is an overview of what to think about when choosing a name.
When choosing a name, you need to make sure that the name
- contains the correct designation of the organisation type, for example, the name of a limited company must contain the word “aksjeselskap” or AS, and that this is placed in the end of the name
- is not suited to mislead
- is not suited to cause offence
- contains at least three letters
- is in accordance with the law
- is not the name of a land or municipality
A sole proprietorship or a general partnership cannot contain another person’s name other than the name of the owner/partners. The name of a sole proprietorship must contain the surname of the owner.
The name of a Norwegian-registered foreign business (NUF) in The Register of Business Enterprises must contain the name of the main company, and include the designation of the organisation type, NUF. The designation NUF must be placed at the end of the company name.
Is the enterprise registered in the Register of Business Enterprises?
Is the enterprise doing business activities and registered in the Register of Business Enterprises, you need to make sure that the name is not identical to another name registered in the Register of Business Enterprises. Exception: NUFs doing business activity.
It is a good idea to check if the name is available. You can easily do this at Namesearch. If the name is in use, you must choose another name or obtain a declaration of consent from the enterprise that possess the name.
The name must be decided by an authorised body, such as the general meeting, the partnership meeting or the annual meeting. If the enterprise has articles of association, partnership agreement or shipping agreement, changing the name will imply changes here as well.
You report a new name by submitting Coordinated register notification in Altinn. You must attach
- minutes from an authorised body, such as the general meeting
- any updated articles of association/partnership agreement/shipping agreement
- any declaration of consent from the licensee in the event of name similarity
When you market your enterprise, you can use a different name for the business than the one registered. You can for example use this name on a sign, as a logo or a domain name. The officially registered name must still appear on all business documents, such as letters, web pages and invoices.
Enterprises undertaking business activities and have employees, must have a registered sub-entity.
Many people choose another name of the sub-entity, which can be used as a marketing name, as well. Please note that a separate name of sub-entity does not have name protection. If you want name protection of the sub-entity’s name, or a marketing name that is not registered as the name of the sub-entity, you must contact the Norwegian Industrial Property Office.