Which Form is Used for Reserving a Company Name for Company Registration? Complete Guide

Company name reservation represent critical initial step company incorporation process—securing unique business identifier preventing competitor trademark conflict. Understanding which form reserve company name essential entrepreneur starting company. Two primary methods available: RUN (Reserve Unique Name) form—dedicated name reservation service, or SPICe+ Part A form—integrated within full company registration. RUN form streamlined online process enabling one-name-at-a-time reservation without Digital Signature Certificate requirement. SPICe+ Part A offer flexibility proposing up to six names (preference order) within comprehensive incorporation form. Whether planning private limited company, public company, OPC, or Section 8 entity, comprehending name reservation framework—form selection, process step, validity period, cost structure, eligibility criterion—enable smooth company establishment and secured business brand protection.

Key Takeaways

• Company name reservation form represent critical legal document enabling entrepreneur securing unique business identifier before company incorporation—NOT final registration but preliminary naming approval.
• Company name reservation governed two primary method—RUN (Reserve Unique Name) form (dedicated streamlined service, one name at time, no DSC required, 2-3 day processing, ₹1,000 cost) and SPICe+ Part A form (integrated within comprehensive company registration, up to six names option, DSC required, complete process 5-10 days).
• Understanding complete company name reservation framework—form type, process step, eligibility criterion, validity period, cost structure—help entrepreneur confidently securing business name and establishing professional registration foundation aligned company objective.
• Two primary methods available: RUN (Reserve Unique Name) form—dedicated streamlined name reservation service enabling one-name-at-time reservation without DSC requirement, processing 2-3 days, cost ₹1,000; and SPICe+ Part A form—integrated within comprehensive company registration, enabling up to six names in preference order, complete process 5-10 days, requires DSC, combined with full incorporation.
• Understanding complete company name reservation framework—form selection (RUN vs SPICe+), process step, eligibility criterion, validity period, cost structure—enable entrepreneur confidently navigating company registration and establishing professional business entity aligned strategic objective.

Understanding Company Name Reservation Forms, Process, and Registration Framework

What company name reservation form represent and what framework govern name reservation process? Company name reservation form represent critical legal document enabling entrepreneur securing unique business identifier before company incorporation—NOT final registration but preliminary naming approval. Understanding name reservation purpose help appreciating form necessity and process importance. Company name reservation governed two primary method—RUN (Reserve Unique Name) form (dedicated streamlined service, one name at time, no DSC required, 2-3 day processing, ₹1,000 cost) and SPICe+ Part A form (integrated within comprehensive company registration, up to six names option, DSC required, complete process 5-10 days). Understanding method difference help selecting optimal registration approach aligned incorporation readiness.

Name reservation validity 20 days (extendable maximum 60 days)—sufficient time filing incorporation document within deadline. Understanding validity period help managing incorporation timeline properly.

Name eligibility criterion strict—avoid reserved government word (Government, Bank, Insurance), ensure uniqueness (no existing company duplicate), follow naming convention (must include Limited/Pvt Ltd), verify trademark non-conflict. Understanding restriction help avoiding rejection and resubmission. Understanding complete company name reservation framework—form type, process step, eligibility criterion, validity period, cost structure—help entrepreneur confidently securing business name and establishing professional registration foundation aligned company objective.

Understanding Company Name Reservation Importance

Why Reserve Company Name

Company name reservation serve specific business purpose:

Strategic Importance:

• Secure unique business identifier before incorporation
• Prevent competitor using similar name
• Protect brand trademark early
• Ensure legal name distinctiveness
• Enable focused marketing around specific name
• Establish professional business identity

Legal Significance:

• Required under Section 4(4) Companies Act 2013
• Mandatory before company incorporation
• Governed by Rule 8 & 9 Companies (Incorporation) Rules 2014
• Central Registration Centre (CRC) approval required
• Legal safeguard preventing duplication

Business Necessity:

• Secure brand before public disclosure
• Prevent competitor opportunistic registration
• Enable confident business launch
• Support financing/investor confidence
• Foundation organizational identity

Process Timeline:

• Name reserved BEFORE full incorporation
• Separate from company incorporation process
• Can file incorporation forms within validity period
• Smooth sequential process

Company name reservation critical business foundation step.

Two Primary Name Reservation Methods Available

Method Overview

Two distinct form option available:

Method 1: RUN Form (Reserve Unique Name)

• Dedicated name reservation service
• Modern streamlined online form
• One name at a time approach
• No DSC requirement
• Separate from incorporation
• Can use multiple times if rejection

Method 2: SPICe+ Part A Form

• Integrated within company registration form
• Part A = name approval section
• Part B = complete registration details
• Up to 6 names in preference order
• Single application combining name + incorporation
• Complete registration form completion required

Old Method (Obsolete): INC-1 Form

• Previously used for name reservation
• Replaced by RUN form
• Required DSC and DIN
• No longer recommended
• Outdated practice

Understanding both method enable selecting optimal approach.

RUN Form: Definition, Purpose, and Features

RUN Form Complete Overview

RUN represent modern, streamlined name reservation:

RUN Definition:

• Full Form: Reserve Unique Name (RUN)
• Type: Dedicated web-based service
• Purpose: Reserve name for new company OR change name existing company
• Launch: Introduced streamline name reservation process
• Portal: Available www.mca.gov.in
• Access: Web service (no physical form)

RUN Key Features:

• Single Name Focus: Propose one name at time
• No DSC Required: Simplified login-only access
• Quick Processing: 2-3 working days approval
• Low Cost: Government fee ₹1,000 only
• Resubmission Friendly: No fee for resubmission if rejected
• Flexible Extension: Can extend validity period (additional fee)

RUN Accessibility:

• Online-only service
• 24/7 availability
• Quick application submission
• Real-time status tracking
• Immediate SRN (Service Reference Number) receipt

RUN Advantages:

• Streamlined, simplified process
• Lower cost than SPICe+ comprehensive process
• Flexibility if first choice name rejected
• Can reserve name before deciding on incorporation timeline
• No need other incorporation document

RUN form represent modern, efficient name reservation method.

SPICe+ Part A Form: Integration Within Registration

SPICe+ Complete Registration Framework

SPICe+ provide integrated approach:

SPICe+ Definition:

• Full Form: Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus
• Structure: Two-part form (Part A + Part B)
• Part A Purpose: Name approval and basic information
• Part B Purpose: Complete company registration details
• Integration: Single application combining name + incorporation
• Timeline: Complete process 5-10 days typical

Part A: Name Approval Section

• Propose up to 6 company names
• Name preference order option
• Basic company information
• Company type selection
• Business activity code
• Not separable from Part B (must complete both)

Part B: Complete Registration Section

• Director details and DIN
• Shareholder information
• Memorandum of Association (MOA)
• Articles of Association (AOA)
• Registered office address
• Complete incorporation details

SPICe+ Advantage:

• Single application (name + incorporation combined)
• Up to 6 name options (preference order)
• Complete registration streamlined process
• Quick overall processing (5-10 days)
• Single document submission

SPICe+ Limitation:

• Must complete full registration (cannot name-only)
• Requires more information upfront
• DSC required (Part B signing)
• Cannot separate name approval from incorporation

SPICe+ provide integrated comprehensive approach.

RUN Form vs SPICe+ Part A Detailed Comparison

Comprehensive Comparison Table

Aspect RUN Form SPICe+ Part A

Purpose Name reservation only Name approval + full incorporation

Scope Dedicated name service Part of complete registration

Names Possible One at time Up to 6 (preference order)

DSC Required No Yes

DIN Requirement No (at this stage) Yes (directors)

Application Timing Before any incorporation prep When ready for complete incorporation

Cost (Government) ₹1,000 Included in registration fee

Processing Time 2-3 days 5-10 days total process

If Name Rejected Resubmit free (no fee) Must revise complete form

Flexibility Reserve, then decide incorporation Immediate incorporation commitment

Name Validity 20 days (extendable to 60) 20 days (extendable to 60)

Ideal For Just securing name first Ready for full registration

Advantage Simple, quick, low cost All-in-one registration

Disadvantage Separate step from registration Must complete full form

Decision Framework:

Choose RUN When:

• Want to secure name first, decide incorporation later
• Uncertain full incorporation timeline
• Want flexibility changing incorporation plan
• Prefer simpler initial application
• First time doing company registration

Choose SPICe+ When:

• Ready for immediate company incorporation
• Have all incorporation details prepared
• Want single streamlined process
• Want to minimize multiple applications
• Have DSC and DIN already obtained

RUN vs SPICe+ selection depend incorporation readiness timeline.

Step-by-Step RUN Form Filing Process

Detailed RUN Form Application

Systematic process ensure successful filing:

Step 1: Login to MCA Portal

• Visit www.mca.gov.in
• Click "Login" (user login required)
• Enter username/password
• Create account (if first time)
• Complete login process
• Access MCA portal dashboard

Step 2: Navigate to RUN Service

• Click "MCA Services" menu
• Select "Company Services" section
• Click "RUN (Reserve Unique Name)"
• Select "New Request" button
• RUN form dashboard open

Step 3: Select Company Type

• Choose entity type:
• New Company (Others) = Standard Private/Public Limited
• One Person Company (OPC) = OPC
• Section 8 Company = Non-profit
• Producer Company = Agricultural
• Nidhi Company = Financial cooperative
• Click next/proceed button

Step 4: Provide Proposed Company Name

• Carefully type company name
• Follow naming convention (must end "Limited" or "Pvt Ltd")
• Avoid reserved word (Government, Bank, Insurance, etc.)
• Ensure uniqueness (check availability tool first)
• Name should be meaningful, professional

Step 5: Select Industry and NIC Code

• Click "Search and select industry sub-class"
• Browse National Industrial Classification (NIC) code
• Select primary industry/activity
• Can select up to 3 NIC codes maximum
• Select codes matching company business

Step 6: Enter Business Activity Information

• Enter detailed business description (500 characters)
• Specify main objects of business
• List primary business activities
• Provide industry context
• Help registrar understand business nature

Step 7: Check Name Availability

• Click "Auto Check" button
• System verify:
• Name uniqueness
• Spelling/phonetic similarity check
• Restriction word verification
• Existing trademark check
• Wait for auto-check result
• Proceed if clear, modify if issue identified

Step 8: Submit Application

• Review all information accuracy
• Click "Submit" button
• Form submitted successfully
• SRN (Service Reference Number) generated immediately
• Note SRN for tracking

Step 9: Pay Government Fee

• Online payment required
• Amount: ₹1,000 (new company)
• Payment gateway provided
• Select payment method (card, net banking, UPI)
• Complete payment
• Receipt confirmation

Step 10: Track Application Status

• Note SRN for reference
• Visit "Track SRN/Transaction Status"
• Enter SRN and date of birth
• Monitor application progress
• Typical approval: 2-3 working days

Step 11: Receive Approval/Rejection

• Email notification sent on decision
• If approved: Name approval letter issued
• If rejected: Notification with reason
• Can resubmit different name (free resubmission)

RUN form process straightforward, online-based, user-friendly.

Name Eligibility and Restriction Criteria

Allowed and Prohibited Name Elements

Specific criterion govern name acceptability:

Permitted Elements:

• English letters A-Z
• Numbers 0-9 (if meaningful, not starting number)
• Limited symbols (&, dash - in specific context)
• Company type indicator ("Limited", "Pvt Ltd", "OPC", etc.)
• Meaningful words (descriptive of business)

Prohibited Elements:

Reserved Government Words (Cannot Use):

• Government, Ministry, Department
• Bank, Reserve Bank
• Insurance, Securities
• Stock Exchange
• Parliament, Legislature
• University, Institute (some cases)
• Hospital, Medical (some cases)
• Other regulated sector word

Undesirable Characteristics:

• Offensive language
• Obscene, indecent word
• Political/communal inflammatory word
• Encourage unlawful activity
• Harm public interest

Similarity Issue (Cannot Duplicate):

• Already registered company name
• Too similar existing company (phonetic similarity)
• Same name (obviously)
• Trademark already registered
• Minor spelling variation (considered similar)

Structural Requirement:

• Must clearly indicate company type:
• "Limited" OR "Ltd" for public
• "Private Limited" OR "Pvt Ltd" for private
• "(OPC)" for one person company
• "Section 8 Company" for non-profit
• Cannot omit company type indicator

Distinctiveness Requirement:

• Must be unique, distinctive
• Cannot be generic (e.g., "Company", "Trading")
• Should indicate business nature
• Professional, appropriate tone

Example Approved Names:

• ✓ TechVision Private Limited
• ✓ GreenLeaf Trading Pvt Ltd
• ✓ ConsultPro Limited
• ✓ InnovateCorp Private Limited
• ✓ CloudTech Solutions Limited

Example Rejected Names:

• ✗ Government Services (prohibited word)
• ✗ Bank Finance Limited (reserved word)
• ✗ Just Company Pvt Ltd (too generic)
• ✗ ABC (too vague)
• ✗ TechVision Ltd (if already exists exactly)

Name eligibility critical approval likelihood.

Required Information and Documentation

Complete Information Requirement

Comprehensive detail ensure smooth processing:

Mandatory Information Fields:

Basic Company Information:

• Proposed company name (primary choice)
• Company type (Private Limited, Public, OPC, Section 8, etc.)
• Industry classification (NIC code—primary activity)
• Business activity code
• Main objects of business (detailed description)
• Business nature and scope

Contact Information:

• Registered office address
• Email address
• Contact phone number
• Authorized person name/detail

Optional Supporting Document:

• Business plan document (optional, but helpful)
• Industry certificate (if applicable)
• Partnership agreement (if entity partners)
• MOA draft (preliminary, for reference)

Pre-Filing Checks Required:

• Name availability check (MCA portal tool)
• Trademark search (IP India website)
• Existing company database search
• Phonetic similarity verification (manual review)

Document Organization:

• Prepare business description clear, concise
• Have NIC code ready (research applicable code)
• Gather address proof documents
• Organize supporting document (if attaching)

Complete information prevent rejection and resubmission.

Processing Timeline and Approval Period

Realistic Processing Timeline

Specific timeframe govern approval process:

Pre-Submission Preparation (1-2 days):

• Business name finalization
• Industry/NIC code research
• Name availability verification
• Documentation preparation
• Trademark search

Application Submission (1 day):

• Login MCA portal
• Fill RUN form
• Pay fee
• Submit application
• Receive SRN immediately

Processing by CRC (2-3 working days):

• Central Registration Centre review
• Name availability verification system
• Restriction word checking
• Similarity analysis
• Approval or rejection decision

Total Timeline: 3-4 days typical

• Faster: 2 days (if straightforward)
• Slower: 5-7 days (if multiple resubmissions)

Approval Notification:

• Email sent upon decision
• Approval letter attached (if approved)
• Rejection reason provided (if rejected)
• SRN reference included

After Approval:

• Name reserved immediately
• Valid 20 days from approval (extendable)
• Can file incorporation form within period
• Must file before expiry (or name released)

Processing timeline predictable, manageable timeframe.

Name Validity Period and Extension Option

Name Reservation Validity Duration

Specific period name remain reserved:

Standard Validity Period:

• For New Company: 20 days from approval date
• For Name Change: 60 days from approval date
• For LLP: 90 days from approval date
• After Expiry: Name released, available for others

Extension Option Available:

• Can extend before expiry
• First extension: 20 additional days (cost ₹1,000) = 40 days total
• Second extension: 20 additional days (cost ₹1,000) = 60 days total
• Maximum: 60-day total reservation period

Extension Process:

• File extension application before expiry
• Pay additional fee (₹1,000 per 20 days)
• Registrar approval for extension
• Name reserved additional period

Extension Example:

Name approved: January 10, 2025

Initial validity: January 10 - January 30, 2025 (20 days)

First extension application: January 25 (before expiry)

Extended to: February 19, 2025 (40 days total from approval)

Second extension application: February 10 (before 40-day expiry)

Final extension to: March 12, 2025 (60 days total maximum)

Filing Incorporation Within Validity:

• Must file SPICe+ form (Part B + INC documents)
• Must file within validity period
• Name released if incorporation not filed
• Can reapply if expired (new ₹1,000 fee)

Critical Deadline Management:

• Track approval date carefully
• Plan incorporation filing timeline
• Request extension early (if needed)
• Do NOT miss expiry date

Post-Expiry Consequence:

• Name become available others
• Must re-apply name reservation (new fee)
• Company incorporation delayed
• Additional cost and timeline extension

Name validity period management critical planning.

Cost Structure and Fee Breakdown

Comprehensive Cost Analysis

Specific fee govern RUN form application:

Government Fee (MCA):

Item Cost

RUN Form Filing (New Company) ₹1,000

RUN Form Filing (Existing Company - Name Change) ₹1,000

RUN Form Filing (LLP) ₹200

First Extension (20 days) ₹1,000

Second Extension (20 days) ₹1,000

Maximum Total (60-day name) ₹3,000

Professional Assistance Cost (Optional):

Service Cost Range

CA/Lawyer Consultation ₹500-₹2,000

Name Checking Service ₹500-₹1,000

Documentation Preparation ₹1,000-₹2,000

RUN Form Filling Assistance ₹500-₹1,500

Total Professional Support ₹2,000-₹6,000 (optional)

Total Cost Estimation:

• Minimum (Government only): ₹1,000
• Average (Government + minimal professional): ₹2,000-₹3,000
• Maximum (Government + full professional support): ₹5,000-₹8,000

Cost Comparison with SPICe+:

• RUN: ₹1,000 government fee (name only)
• SPICe+: Government fee ₹500-₹5,000 (full registration, based capital)
• RUN cheaper for name-only reservation
• SPICe+ cost-effective for complete registration

Cost Saving Tips:

• Do name checking yourself (save ₹500-₹1,000)
• Prepare documents yourself (save ₹1,000-₹2,000)
• Avoid professional help if capable (save ₹2,000-₹6,000)
• Plan name properly first (avoid rejections/resubmissions)
• Use online portal directly (most economical)

Cost structure affordable, transparent, reasonable.

Conclusion

Company name reservation critical initial company incorporation step—securing unique business identifier preventing competitor conflict and establishing professional brand foundation. Understanding which form reserve company name essential choosing optimal registration approach.

Two primary methods available: RUN (Reserve Unique Name) form—dedicated streamlined name reservation service enabling one-name-at-time reservation without DSC requirement, processing 2-3 days, cost ₹1,000; and SPICe+ Part A form—integrated within comprehensive company registration, enabling up to six names in preference order, complete process 5-10 days, requires DSC, combined with full incorporation. RUN form ideal entrepreneur wanting secure name first, maintain flexibility incorporation timeline, prefer simplified initial process. SPICe+ Part A optimal entity ready for immediate company incorporation, have all incorporation details prepared, want single streamlined application combining name approval and full registration.

Name eligibility criterion strict—avoid reserved government words, ensure uniqueness, follow naming convention (must include Limited/Pvt Ltd), verify trademark non-conflict. Name validity 20 days (extendable maximum 60 days)—sufficient time filing incorporation document within deadline. Processing straightforward, online-based, user-friendly—2-3 day approval typical, government fee ₹1,000 only, optional professional support ₹2,000-₹6,000. Complete information, accurate business description, appropriate NIC code selection ensure smooth approval.

Understanding complete company name reservation framework—form selection (RUN vs SPICe+), process step, eligibility criterion, validity period, cost structure—enable entrepreneur confidently navigating company registration and establishing professional business entity aligned strategic objective.

Official External Resources

Use these primary/official sources to verify rules, forms, fees, timelines and regulatory updates before publication.

• Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
• IP India - Patents, Designs, Trade Marks & Copyright