CIPC Name Reservation: Complete Guide 2025

Reserving your company name with CIPC is the first step in company registration. This guide explains the entire name reservation process.

What Is Name Reservation?

Name reservation is the process of securing your desired company name with CIPC before registration. It ensures no one else can use that name while you complete your company registration.

Key Facts

Reservation Period: 60 days
Cost: R50 (optional - can reserve during registration)
Validity: Name reserved for 60 days from approval
Extensions: Can reapply if needed

Why Reserve a Name?

Benefits

1. Secure Your Brand

• Prevents others from taking your name
• Gives you time to prepare registration documents
• Protects your business identity

2. Prepare for Registration

• Reserve name first, register later
• Time to complete incorporation documents
• Gather shareholders and directors
• Prepare Memorandum of Incorporation

3. Verify Acceptability

• Confirm name meets CIPC requirements
• Check for objections
• Ensure no conflicts

When to Skip Reservation

You Don't Need to Reserve If:

• Registering company immediately (same day)
• Using generic name unlikely to be taken
• Want to save R50 fee
• Not concerned about name availability

You can check name availability and register in one process without pre-reservation.

Name Requirements and Rules

Basic Requirements

1. Uniqueness

• Must not be identical to existing company name
• Must not be confusingly similar
• Check existing company database

2. Offensive Content

• No offensive language
• No discriminatory terms
• No vulgar words
• Professional and appropriate

3. Misleading Names

• Cannot suggest government affiliation (unless authorized)
• Cannot imply functions you don't have
• Cannot mislead about business nature
• Cannot falsely suggest endorsements

4. Protected Names

• Cannot use certain protected words without permission:
  • Bank/Banking (need banking license)
  • Insurance (need insurance license)
  • University/College (need education authorization)
  • Trust/Trustee (subject to restrictions)
  • National/State (need approval)

Name Format Requirements

Standard Private Company Name:

• Company name + (Pty) Ltd
• Example: "Genius Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd"

Short Form:

• Company name + Pty Ltd
• Example: "Genius Business Solutions Pty Ltd"

Personal Liability Company:

• Company name + Inc
• Example: "Legal Advisors Inc"

Acceptable Name Components

Can Include:

• Letters (A-Z)
• Numbers (0-9)
• Ampersand (&)
• Plus (+)
• Hyphen (-)
• Apostrophe (')
• Brackets ()
• Common business terms

Cannot Include:

• Special characters (@, #, %, etc.)
• Trademark symbols (®, ™)
• Currency symbols (R, $, €, etc.)

How to Check Name Availability

Method 1: CIPC Online Search (Free)

Steps:

1. Visit www.cipc.co.za
2. Click "Verify Company Status"
3. Enter proposed name
4. Check search results

Look For:

• Identical names
• Similar names
• Name variations
• Different entity types with same name

Method 2: Name Reservation Application

Process:

• Submit name reservation application
• CIPC checks name against database
• Approval or rejection within 1-2 business days

Common Rejection Reasons

1. Name Already Exists

• Identical to registered company
• Too similar to existing company
• Name reserved by someone else

2. Contains Restricted Words

• Protected terms without authorization
• Words requiring special permission

3. Offensive or Inappropriate

• Vulgar language
• Discriminatory terms
• Unprofessional content

4. Misleading or Deceptive

• Implies functions not permitted
• Suggests false affiliations
• Potentially confusing to public

Name Reservation Process

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare Name Options

• Choose 3-5 name options (in order of preference)
• Check CIPC database for availability
• Ensure names meet requirements
• Include (Pty) Ltd or Inc in each

Step 2: Register on CIPC e-Services

• Visit eservices.cipc.co.za
• Create customer profile
• Verify email address
• Log in to system

Step 3: Submit Name Reservation

• Navigate to "Company Registration"
• Select "Name Reservation"
• Enter first choice name
• Enter alternative names (up to 4 alternatives)
• Provide reason/explanation if needed
• Submit application

Step 4: Make Payment

• Pay R50 reservation fee
• Use credit card or EFT
• Receive payment confirmation

Step 5: Await Approval

• CIPC reviews application (1-2 business days)
• Receive email notification
• Approved: Name reserved for 60 days
• Rejected: Try alternative name or modify

Step 6: Download Reservation Certificate

• Log in to CIPC e-Services
• Download reservation certificate (CoR9.1)
• Keep for your records
• Use during company registration

After Name Approval

What Happens Next

Name Reserved:

• Valid for 60 days from approval date
• No one else can register that name
• You have 60 days to register company
• Can reapply if you need more time

Next Steps:

1. Prepare Registration Documents

• Draft Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI)
• Collect director information
• Gather shareholder details
• Prepare registered address

2. Complete Company Registration

• Use reserved name in registration application
• Submit CoR14.1 (company registration form)
• Pay registration fee (R125)
• Provide all required information

3. Receive Company Registration

• CIPC processes registration (1-5 business days)
• Receive registration certificate (CoR14.3)
• Company officially registered
• Name reservation converted to registered name

If Reservation Expires

Options:

1. Reapply for Reservation

• Submit new name reservation
• Pay R50 again
• Another 60 days granted

2. Register Immediately

• Skip re-reservation
• Register company immediately
• Save R50 fee

3. Choose Different Name

• Select alternative name
• Start new reservation process

Name Reservation Costs

CIPC Fees:

• Name reservation: R50
• Valid for 60 days
• Non-refundable

Professional Services (Optional):

• Name search and consultation: R500 - R1,500
• Includes availability check
• Legal name advice
• Multiple name options

Total Cost:

• DIY: R50
• With professional: R550 - R1,550

Changing Reserved Name

Before Registration

Can Change If:

• Haven't registered company yet
• Name still reserved (within 60 days)
• Want different name

Process:

• Apply for new name reservation (R50)
• Previous reservation lapses
• New name reserved

After Registration

Cannot Change Easily:

• Once company registered, name change is complex
• Requires formal name change application (CoR15.1)
• Cost: R175
• Takes 7-14 business days
• All records must be updated

Tip: Ensure you're happy with name before registration.

Trademark Considerations

Name vs Trademark

Company Name:

• Registered with CIPC
• Identifies your legal entity
• Company registration number
• For legal/administrative purposes

Trademark:

• Registered with Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC - Trademarks division)
• Protects your brand
• Prevents others from using your brand name
• For commercial/marketing protection

Should You Trademark Your Name?

Consider Trademarking If:

• Strong brand identity
• Unique product/service names
• Significant marketing investment
• Want exclusive use across South Africa
• Expanding to other markets

Trademark Process:

• Search trademark database
• Apply for trademark registration
• Cost: R2,250 (per class)
• Process takes 12-18 months
• Protects brand for 10 years (renewable)

Note: Company name reservation does NOT protect trademark rights.

Common Name Issues and Solutions

Issue 1: Name Already Taken

Problem: Exact name or very similar name exists

Solutions:

• Add descriptive word (e.g., "Genius Solutions" → "Genius Business Solutions")
• Use different spelling (if appropriate)
• Include location (e.g., "Cape Town Marketing (Pty) Ltd")
• Add industry descriptor (e.g., "Accounting", "Technologies", "Services")

Issue 2: Name Contains Restricted Word

Problem: Name includes "Bank", "Insurance", "University", etc.

Solutions:

• Remove restricted word
• Obtain required license first
• Use alternative term (e.g., "Financial Services" instead of "Bank")

Issue 3: Name Rejected as Offensive

Problem: CIPC deems name inappropriate

Solutions:

• Choose completely different name
• Remove offending word
• Use professional, neutral language

Issue 4: Name Too Similar to Existing

Problem: Name confusingly similar to registered company

Solutions:

• Add distinguishing word
• Change word order
• Use different industry descriptor
• Select entirely different name

Tips for Choosing a Great Name

Best Practices

1. Keep It Simple

• Easy to pronounce
• Easy to spell
• Easy to remember
• Short and clear

2. Make It Relevant

• Reflects your industry
• Suggests your services
• Professional tone
• Appropriate for target market

3. Think Long-Term

• Name works as you grow
• Not too specific/limiting
• Can expand to other services
• Still relevant in 10+ years

4. Check Domain Availability

• www.yourcompanyname.co.za
• .com availability (if relevant)
• Social media handles
• Consistent online presence

5. Get Feedback

• Test name with others
• Check for unintended meanings
• Ensure positive associations
• Professional impression

Names to Avoid

Don't Choose:

• Generic names (hard to protect, unmemorable)
• Names too similar to competitors
• Names with negative connotations
• Names difficult to pronounce or spell
• Names with multiple meanings (can confuse)
• Names that limit growth

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to reserve a name before registration?
A: No, name reservation is optional. You can check availability and register in one process.

Q: How long does name reservation last?
A: 60 days from approval date.

Q: What if someone registers a similar name after I reserve?
A: Your exact reserved name is protected. If someone registers a similar name, you may still object during your registration.

Q: Can I reserve multiple names?
A: Each reservation is for one name (plus alternatives). You can submit multiple separate reservations.

Q: Is name reservation refundable?
A: No, the R50 fee is non-refundable even if your name is rejected.

Q: Can I transfer my reserved name to someone else?
A: No, name reservations are non-transferable.

Q: What if I never register the company?
A: The reservation expires after 60 days, and the name becomes available again.

Q: Does reserving a name give me trademark rights?
A: No, name reservation only secures company name. Trademark requires separate application.

Conclusion

Name reservation is a simple, affordable way to secure your company name while you prepare for registration. The R50 fee and 60-day reservation period give you peace of mind.

Key Takeaways:

• Name reservation costs R50, valid for 60 days
• Optional - can register company immediately without pre-reservation
• Names must be unique, appropriate, and meet CIPC requirements
• Process takes 1-2 business days
• Reserved names can be used for company registration within 60 days
• Consider trademarking for brand protection

Action Steps:

1. Choose 3-5 name options
2. Check CIPC database for availability
3. Register on CIPC e-Services
4. Submit name reservation application
5. Pay R50 fee
6. Await approval (1-2 days)
7. Prepare company registration documents
8. Register company within 60 days

For related guides, see our CIPC Company Registration Guide and CIPC Annual Returns Guide.