Certain words and phrases cannot be registered as a business name.
They include:
- words likely to be offensive to the public
- words capable of suggesting a connection with a government agency
- a name similar to previously registered names.
It is also difficult to register names that are:
- generic, poorly defined or non-descriptive
- unqualified initials.
A proposed new business name is tested against all current Australian company and South Australian registered business names and associations.
Names requiring ministerial consent
Ministerial consent is needed to use certain words and phrases in a business name.
Note: the information provided here is of a general nature only and you should not regard it as a substitute for professional advice and/or reference to the appropriate legislation.
To apply for a business name using a restricted word, write a letter to the Minister for Corporate Affairs (the Attorney General) outlining the reasons why you believe they should approve your proposed name.
An additional fee must accompany your letter, which should be forwarded to:
Consumer and Business Services (CBS)
Business & Occupational Services
Level 3, Chesser House
91-97 Grenfell Street
GPO Box 1719
Adelaide SA 5001
Tel: 131 882
Fax: (08) 8204 9771
businessnames@agd.sa.gov.au
Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.00 pm (except public holidays)
Restricted words and phrases
This list of restricted words and phrases has been extracted from the South Australian Government Gazette:
- Names likely to offend members of the public.
- Names containing the words: 'Trust', 'Trustee', 'Chamber of Commerce', 'Chamber of Manufacturers', 'Chartered', 'Stock Exchange', 'Guarantee', 'Building Society', 'Made in Australia', 'Proprietary', 'Unlimited', 'Corporation', 'Incorporated', 'Executor', 'Order of St John', 'Credit Union', 'Friendly Society', 'Consumer', 'Savings', 'University', 'College of Advanced Education' or 'Institute of Advanced Education', 'Co-operative' or 'Institute of Vocational Education'.
- Names containing the word 'Foundation' or any abbreviation thereof which in the context in which it is used is capable of suggesting connection with an endowed institution when that connection does not exist.
- Names containing the words 'bank', 'banker' or 'banking' or any word alike.
- Names suggesting connection with the Royal Family when the connection does not exist or that Royal Patronage has been received when this is not the case.
- Names suggesting connection with the Crown, the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia or of a State or Territory, or any other part of the Queen's dominions, possessions or territories.
- Names containing the words 'Commonwealth' or 'Federal'.
- Names suggesting connection with the Government of a foreign country.
- Names suggesting connection with a department, authority or instrumentality of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia or of a state or territory or with a municipal or other local authority.
- Names suggesting connection with the ex-servicemen's organisations when the connection does not exist or suggesting the members of an organisation are totally or partially incapacitated when this is not the case.
- Names suggesting connection to the United Nations or of any other prescribed international organisation.
- Names suggesting connection with 'Anzac' or any word that resembles 'Anzac'.
- Names suggesting connection with the armed forces of Australia.
- Names suggesting connection with the Scout Association or the name of any local branch of the Association or any name implying that any other society or body is the Association or a branch of the Association.
- Names suggesting connection with the Australian Bicentennial Authority or an abbreviation of the name of the Authority.
- Names containing or words resembling designations such as 'Red Cross', 'Geneva Cross', 'Red Crescent' or 'Red Lion and Sun'.
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