Back to KnowledgeBase
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