What are the Basic Requirements of Corporate Names?

If you choose a named corporation, we’ll need to confirm the availability of your proposed name by ordering a NUANS name search.

All named corporations are required to have both a distinctive element and a descriptive element in the name, unless the name has generated a significant reputation through prior use.

A distinctive element is the part that sets your business apart (e.g., “AAA”, “Kleenex”, “Xerox”).

A descriptive element describes what you do (e.g., “Plumbing”, “Copy Centres”, “Holdings”, “Enterprises”).

For example, in “Ace Furnace Repair Ltd.” — “Ace” is the distinctive element and “Furnace Repair” is the descriptive element.

See our article on name restrictions for additional rules that apply.