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About Us
The founder members of the KLS Advisors have more than 20 years of experience in Corporate Law. KLS Advisors provides advisory services for business registration, legal & regulatory services to businesses on a global level. KLS has expertise in registration of entities and business management under applicable laws in India.
KLS’s core field includes corporate legal matters and IPR-related matters such as protection of business at various levels like trademark registration, patent registration, copyright registration, and liaison with government offices.
About UsContact Info
- Gurugram: 07, 2nd Floor, Krishna Mansion, Civil Lines, Gurgaon, Haryana Delhi: 151, 1st Floor, Kakrola Housing, Metro Pillar No. 789, Dwarka Mor, Delhi
- +91-9717720616
- info@klsadvisors.in
🔁 Name Change of a Company
Rebranding | Legal Identity Update | Strategic Transition (Change in Name of Company/LLP).
Changing the name of a company is a strategic and legal process governed by the Companies Act, 2013. Whether due to rebranding, business diversification, mergers, or legal reasons, a company must follow a step-by-step approval and filing procedure with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
⚖️ Legal Framework
The process is governed by:
- Section 13 of the Companies Act, 2013
- Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014
- MCA Notifications and Circulars
- Approval from ROC, Shareholders, and sometimes the Central Government
📌 When Do Companies Change Their Name?
| Reason | Examples |
|---|---|
| Rebranding or repositioning | Reflect new vision, mission, or target market |
| Change in business activity | Expansion into new sectors or geographies |
| Merger or acquisition | Reflecting the identity of the merged entity |
| Regulatory or legal issues | Name conflict or trademark objections |
| Stakeholder requirements | Investor demand or strategic partner involvement |
🧭 Step-by-Step Process to Change Company Name
1. Board Meeting
- Pass a Board Resolution proposing the new name.
- Approve application for name reservation via RUN (Reserve Unique Name) on MCA portal.
2. Name Approval from ROC
- Apply for name reservation using Form RUN.
- Ensure the new name:
- Is unique and not identical to existing companies or trademarks
- Complies with naming guidelines issued by MCA
3. Special Resolution by Shareholders
- Hold an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).
- Pass a Special Resolution approving the name change and amendment of the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA).
4. Filing with ROC
Submit the following forms:
| Form | Purpose | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| MGT-14 | Filing of special resolution (with altered MOA/AOA) | Within 30 days of EGM |
| INC-24 | Application to Central Government (via ROC) for approval of name change | After MGT-14 approval |
5. ROC Approval & Certificate of Name Change
- ROC verifies documents and issues a Fresh Certificate of Incorporation with the new name.
📋 Documents Required
- Certified copy of Board Resolution
- Certified copy of Special Resolution
- Altered MOA & AOA
- Approval letter of new name (RUN application)
- Notice and minutes of EGM
- List of shareholders and directors
- Digital Signature Certificates (DSC)
- Updated PAN & other registrations (post name change)
📈 Post-Approval Activities
Once the new name is approved and certificate issued:
✅ Update PAN, TAN, GST, PF, ESI, IEC, Trademark, and other licenses ✅ Update bank accounts, invoicing software, letterheads, seals ✅ Inform clients, vendors, partners, and government departments ✅ Update name on company website, signage, social media, and marketing materials
🧠 Things to Keep in Mind
| Compliance Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Trademark Check | Ensure new name doesn’t violate existing trademarks |
| Name Guidelines | Avoid restricted or misleading words (e.g., “Bank”, “Stock Exchange”) |
| Name Availability | Conduct preliminary search before RUN application |
| Impact on Branding | Plan rebranding strategy for business continuity |
⚠️ Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Delay in filing forms can attract penalty of ₹100 per day per form
- Non-updation across departments can cause regulatory mismatches
- Business transactions may be affected if name change is not communicated properly
🛠️ How KLS Advisors Can Help
At KLS Advisors, we provide end-to-end support for Company Name Change:
✅ RUN application & name availability search ✅ Drafting of Board and Shareholder Resolutions ✅ MOA/AOA alteration and documentation ✅ Filing of MGT-14 & INC-24 with MCA ✅ Guidance on post-change updates (PAN, GST, banks, etc.) ✅ Rebranding advisory (if required)
📧 Email: info@klsadvisors.in 🌐 Website: www.klsadvisors.in
✅ Conclusion
Changing your company’s name is not just a legal step — it’s a strategic decision that affects your brand, operations, and stakeholder perception. Ensure that the process is smooth, compliant, and well-communicated.
Let KLS Advisors guide you through the name change process with confidence and clarity.