Request approval for a business name

Search for existing business and organization names online or hire a qualified service provider to do this for you.

• Search for registered B.C. companies and organizations
• Search names used across Canada and in B.C.
• Search trade names and trademarks used in Canada

A distinctive element is what sets it apart from other names.

The descriptive element describes the nature of the business. For example:

• Fernie Brake Shop Ltd.
• Kamloops Stationery Ltd.
• Gentle Rain Fellowship of Faith Society
• Gentle Teaching International Society 

A descriptive element is not required for names that include a made-up word with a geographical location (e.g. Altrex Canada Ltd.).

Similar descriptive words. Make sure your name's descriptive words are unique. It needs to be different than other names that are already registered. For example, if you request ‘John’s Hotel’ and ‘John’s Inn’ already exists, your name request will be rejected. However, 'John's Hotel and Bar' can be approved. Here are some similar words to consider:

Incorporated companies, cooperatives and societies must have a corporate designation included in their name.

You can increase your chances of getting a single-word name approved by including:

• A coined or made-up word or phrase for proprietorships or general partnerships (e.g. Mapchem)
• A geographical reference for incorporated companies (e.g. Mapchem Canada Inc.)

Your best bet is to avoid single word names and following instructions for choosing a name using the distinctive element, the descriptive element, and the corporate designation.

Numerals may be used in company names as the distinctive element. A year may be used in a name provided that it is the year of incorporation, amalgamation, change of name, or registration. For example:

• Pacific Enterprises (1997) Ltd.

Incorporation numbers may be used as the name of a B.C. company in the following format: 345678 B.C. Ltd. The name will be given according to the next available number at the time of incorporation. A name reservation or fee is not required for B.C. companies using their incorporation number.

Extraprovincial numbered companies (companies from other jurisdictions continuing into B.C.) can use their numbered name. They need to follow the name request process.

For a corporation or a society, a natural person’s full name will be considered to be sufficiently distinctive and therefore acceptable. For example:

• Bill Brown Ltd.
• John Smith Society

Two surnames or initials with a surname are also acceptable. For example:

• Brown, Green Inc.
• J.R. Black Society

Personal names cannot be used for a partnership or sole proprietorship. Partnerships or sole proprietorships doing business under a personal name do not need to request a business name or register the business with the province.

Well-known names and trademarks will not be allowed without the advance written consent of the holder. For example:

• Exxon
• Xerox
• Coke

Use of names of public figures require written consent of the person named.

Special consideration will be given to established extraprovincial companies applying for registration in the province as long as there is not a direct conflict with another name.

Extraprovincial companies are required to reserve the same name they have reserved in their home jurisdiction, unless it is already taken or is determined to be unacceptable by the registrar.

Avoid using special characters (e.g. %, *, or ¢). Special characters can create confusion, may not be recognized by a computer or may not print accurately.

The word “government” (in English or French) is not allowed. Written consent from a government is required to use words that could imply connection with or endorsement from that government. This would include words like: ministry, bureau, secretariat, commission or certified.

“British Columbia” or “B.C.” implies connection with the Government of British Columbia. Written consent is required from the Office of Protocol, Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat, after the name has been approved by BC Registry Services.

Consent is not required if "British Columbia" or "B.C." is placed at the end of a name and before the corporate designation. For example, Pacific Warehouse Storage BC Ltd.

A name which suggests or implies a connection with the Crown, any living member of the royal family, or an endorsement by the Crown or royal family will not be accepted without written consent from the appropriate authority.

This rule does not apply to names with geographical locations such as Prince George, Prince Rupert, or reference to New Westminster as the Royal City. 

Using "crown" or "royal" is allowed when it's clear that there is no connection with the Crown or royal family, for example:

• Triple Crown Painting Ltd.
• Royal Star Holdings Ltd.

Names will be rejected if they include:

• Vulgar expressions
• Obscene words or connotation
• Racial, physical or sexual slurs

If you require consent from a company, you may fill out this sample consent form

1. Appeals must be received by the registrar within 30 days of rejection decision
2. Appeals should be emailed to bcregistries@gov.bc.ca
   1. Subject Line: Appeal NRXXXXXX
3. Evidence may be submitted at the time of appeal
   1. Examples of types of evidence accepted:
      1. Registered trademarks
      2. Affiliations with conflicting entities
   2. Examples of evidence not accepted:
      1. Personal testimonies
      2. Decisions from other jurisdictions
4. Should the first appeal be denied one additional appeal may be applied for
   1. Second appeals must be received within 5 days of the latest appeal rejection
5. Evidence may be submitted at the time of second appeal
   1. Examples of types of evidence accepted:
      1. Registered appeals
      2. Affiliations
   2. Examples of evidence not accepted:
      1. Personal testimonies
      2. Decisions from other jurisdictions