Name Reservation Period

What is the name reservation period?

The name reservation period is the amount of time your proposed company name is held for you once it’s been approved by the CIPC. During this time, no one else can register a business under that name, giving you exclusive rights to use it while you complete your company registration.

In South Africa, a reserved name is valid for 6 months from the date of approval. If you don’t register your company within that period, the name reservation will expire.

How do I reserve a company name?

You reserve a name by submitting up to four name options to the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). The CIPC checks if the names are available and not too similar to existing ones.

Once your preferred name is approved, it will be reserved for your use for 6 months. During that time, you can proceed with registering your company using that name. If you miss the deadline, you’ll need to reapply and hope the name hasn’t been taken.

Can I extend or renew a name reservation?

No, the CIPC does not allow extensions on expired name reservations. If your 6-month reservation period ends before you register your company, the name becomes available for others to use.

To secure the name again, you’ll need to submit a new reservation application. That’s why it’s important to act within the 6-month window to avoid losing your preferred name.

What happens if my name expires before I register?

If the name reservation expires before you complete your registration, the reserved name is released, and anyone else can apply for it. You’ll have to submit a new reservation request and wait for approval again, which could delay your company setup if someone else grabs the name in the meantime.

Need help registering your company before your name reservation expires?

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Learn more about Company Registration.