INTRODUCTION

When you start a business, the very first step towards building your identity is choosing a name. For Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) in India, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has laid down specific rules for LLP Name Approval. A name is not just a label—it reflects your brand, credibility, and compliance with the law.

The MCA’s guidelines are stricter than ever in 2025. With digital filing and online scrutiny through the RUN-LLP (Reserve Unique Name – Limited Liability Partnership) service, entrepreneurs must understand the dos and don’ts before submitting their application. In this blog, we’ll break down the MCA rules, eligibility, documents, penalties, and Lawfinity’s simplified approach, ensuring your LLP name gets approved in one go.

WHY LLP NAME APPROVAL IS REQUIRED?

Many entrepreneurs ask—why can’t I just pick a name and start my business? The answer is simple: the MCA ensures uniqueness, legality, and consumer protection.

1. Avoiding Duplication – The MCA prevents two businesses from having identical or deceptively similar names. This avoids customer confusion.

2. Legal Recognition – Without an approved name, you cannot file incorporation forms or operate as a legal LLP.

3. Trademark Protection – MCA rules safeguard against trademark violations.

4. Professional Credibility – A unique, approved name builds trust with banks, investors, and customers.

In short, LLP name approval is not just a legal formality—it’s the first step in building a brand identity that stands strong in the marketplace.

WHO ISSUES THE LLP NAME APPROVAL?

The authority for LLP Name Approval lies with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) functioning under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Government of India.

Applications are submitted via the RUN-LLP service on the MCA portal.
The RoC examines the proposed name against the Companies Act, LLP Act, 2008, Rules under LLP Act, and Trademark Registry database.
Once satisfied, the RoC issues an LLP Name Approval Letter, valid for 3 months.

This approval is mandatory before filing the FiLLiP (Form for Incorporation of LLP).

ELIGIBILITY AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR LLP NAME APPROVAL

Choosing a name is more than creativity—it requires compliance with Rule 18 of the LLP Rules, 2009 (updated in 2024–25).

Eligibility Conditions:

The proposed name should end with “LLP” or “Limited Liability Partnership.”
It must not be identical or too similar to an existing company/LLP.
It should not violate the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.
It cannot contain offensive, misleading, or vague words.
Words like “Bank,” “Stock Exchange,” “Insurance,” “Mutual Fund” require approval from regulatory bodies (RBI, SEBI, IRDAI).

Documents Required:

1. Applicant’s details (Digital Signature, MCA login).

2. Proposed LLP name(s) – Up to two names can be submitted.

3. Business activity description – NIC code of the main business.

4. Supporting approvals (if restricted words are used).

5. Board Resolution/NoC – If a trademarked name or group company name is being used.

STEP-BY-STEP LLP NAME APPROVAL PROCESS

The MCA’s LLP name approval process in 2025 is completely online.

Step 1: Check Name Availability

Use the MCA’s “Check Company Name” service.
Search trademark records at IP India portal.

Step 2: Login to MCA Portal

Register on the MCA portal.
Select RUN-LLP service.

Step 3: Submit RUN-LLP Form

Provide up to 2 name options.
Enter the main business activity.
Attach supporting documents (if required).

Step 4: Pay Filing Fees

Current fee: ₹200 per application.

Step 5: Scrutiny by RoC

RoC reviews the name as per MCA rules.
The decision is usually made within 2–3 working days.

Step 6: Approval or Rejection

If approved, an LLP Name Approval Letter is issued.
If rejected, resubmission is required with fresh options.

PENALTY FOR OPERATING WITHOUT LLP NAME APPROVAL

Operating an LLP without proper approval is a legal violation.

Filing incorporation forms without name approval leads to automatic rejection.
Using an unapproved name can invite penalties up to ₹5,000.
MCA can direct a change of name if it finds that your name resembles an existing entity or trademark.
Repeated violations may attract further legal consequences under the LLP Act, 2008.

HOW LAWFINITY SIMPLIFIES LLP NAME APPROVAL PROCESS

At Lawfinity, we understand the disappointment entrepreneurs face when their carefully chosen LLP name gets rejected by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Rejections not only waste time but can also delay your entire business setup process. That’s why our team is dedicated to making the LLP Name Approval process smooth, compliant, and error-free right from the beginning.

Expert Consultation – We start by understanding your business model, target audience, and long-term goals. Based on this, our experts recommend name options that are not only attractive and brand-friendly but also fully compliant with MCA rules.
Trademark Search – Before applying, we conduct a detailed trademark check. This ensures that your proposed LLP name does not clash with any registered trademark, saving you from legal disputes later.
Compliance Review – Our professionals carefully examine your chosen names against MCA’s guidelines. Prohibited or restricted words are filtered out, ensuring higher chances of approval.
Hassle-Free Filing – Once the name is finalized, we prepare and submit the RUN-LLP form on your behalf, along with the necessary documents.
Timely Updates – We continuously track the status of your application and keep you informed at every stage so that you are never left guessing.
Post-Approval Support – Our assistance does not end with name approval. We guide you further with FiLLiP filing, drafting of the LLP Agreement, and complete incorporation compliance.

In short, you focus on growing your business, while we focus on getting your approvals done right the first time. With Lawfinity’s expertise, the LLP Name Approval process becomes faster, stress-free, and reliable.

MUSINGS FROM THE AUTHOR’S INK

Over the years, I’ve seen countless entrepreneurs get excited about the perfect LLP name, only to face rejection from the MCA because of rules they didn’t even know existed. Honestly, naming a business feels very similar to naming a child—it’s emotional, personal, and tied to your dreams. But unlike children, business names need to satisfy strict legal guidelines. That’s where the frustration begins.

Some of the most creative and catchy names I’ve come across never made it past approval, while very simple, descriptive names were accepted almost instantly. It shows that the process isn’t about how fancy or unique a name sounds, but whether it passes compliance filters.

My advice to every entrepreneur is: don’t lose heart if your first name gets rejected. A name is important, but it isn’t the only thing that defines your business. Your vision, consistency, and execution carry far more weight in building your brand’s legacy.

And this is where Lawfinity steps in. We cut through the maze of MCA rules, handle all the technicalities, and increase your chances of first-attempt approval. With us by your side, you save time, avoid stress, and focus on the bigger picture—growing your business with confidence.