Are there any words or terms that are restricted from being in a company name?

Some words and phrases cannot be used without the approval of a government minister. Some examples include:

• 'building society'
• 'trust'
• 'university'
• 'chamber of commerce'

You can't use words that could mislead people about a company's activities. This includes associations with Australian government, the Royal Family, or any ex-servicemen's organisations.

ASIC may also refuse a name if it's considered offensive or suggests illegal activity.

The following are examples of restricted terms. You must seek additional approval before you can use them in a company name:

• Bank, Banker, Banking, ADI, credit society, credit union, etc.
• Friendly Society
• GST
• Guarantee
• Incorporated
• Made in Australia
• Police, policing
• Royal
• RSL
• Sir Donald Bradman
• Starr Bowkett
• Stock Exchange
• Trust or trustee

If you have already obtained consent to use a restricted term in a company name, please advise in the special instructions of your online company registration order and send a copy of the approval letter to info@ntaacorporate.com.au