Choosing A Name

Similar rules apply to the choice of a name, whether this is being used for a company or other form of business. In short, the name must not be confusing, misleading or offensive. More precisely, a name must not be -

• the same as a name already on the register in Dominica, or
• So similar as to confuse or mislead.

It must not imply a connection with -

• any part of government (unless approved by the Minister),
• a political party or its leader, or
• A university or professional association (unless there is a formal consent).

It must not give a false impression of -

• the nature of the business,
• how goods or services will be produced or supplied,
• who will be employed, or
• Where its products or services will come from.

Finally, it must not be in any way objectionable.

Company names

The word "limited", "corporation" or "incorporated" or the abbreviation "ltd." or "corp." or "inc." must be part of the corporate name of every company. These terms should not be used in a business name.

Checking whether a name is available

Enter a key word from the proposed name. You can check against names already registered in Dominica or you can extend the search to 'Caribbean', which will currently check names registered in St Kitts, St Lucia and Grenada as well.

We will list any names which include the word(s) you specify. Please consider carefully whether the name you are proposing is too like any of these names. If you submit an application to register a company or business name which is too like an existing name or which breaks any of the rules above, your application will be rejected.

To do so, please visit here.