If you’re planning to form a corporation or partnership in the Philippines, reserving your business name is a crucial legal first step—and one that’s often overlooked or misunderstood.
As a business lawyer, I often remind entrepreneurs that naming your company isn’t just a branding choice—it’s a legal process. Your desired name must be unique, appropriate, and compliant with the standards set by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
This guide will walk you through how to properly reserve your business name with the SEC, along with some legal insights to avoid rejection or delay.
📌 Why Business Name Reservation Matters
Before your company can be registered, the SEC must approve your proposed name to ensure:
It’s not identical or confusingly similar to an existing company
It doesn’t mislead the public about your business’s nature
It complies with naming rules under the Corporation Code and SEC Memorandum Circulars
✅ Legal Reminder: You can’t proceed with SEC registration (especially for corporations and partnerships) until your name is reserved and approved.
📝 Step-by-Step: How to Reserve Your Business Name with SEC
✅ Step 1: Access the SEC’s Online Reservation System
Visit the SEC’s Company Registration System (CRS) at:
👉 https://crs.sec.gov.ph
Create an account if you don’t have one. You’ll use this portal to:
Propose your business name
Check name availability
Submit incorporation details later on
✅ Step 2: Prepare Your Proposed Business Name(s)
You will be asked to input at least one, but preferably up to three alternative names, in case your first choice is unavailable.
✔️ Tips for Approval:
Indicate your corporate suffix (e.g., Inc., Corp., OPC)
Include your primary business activity if possible (e.g., XYZ Food Trading Corp.)
Avoid generic terms or words restricted by law (e.g., “Bank,” “Finance,” “University” require special licenses)
📌 Legal Insight: Misleading or vague names may be flagged for legal review or outright rejection.
✅ Step 3: Wait for Preliminary Name Check
The system will run an initial scan to check for duplicates or similarities.
If approved: You can proceed to reserve the name
If rejected: Modify your entry or choose from your alternative names
You’ll be notified of the result via your CRS dashboard.
✅ Step 4: Reserve and Pay the Name Reservation Fee
If your name passes the initial screening, you can reserve it for:
30 days (₱100)
60 days (₱200)
90 days (₱300)
Up to a maximum of 90 days
Pay online or via accredited payment partners. Your name is now legally reserved for your exclusive use during that period.
📌 Legal Tip: Finalize your incorporation documents within the reservation period to avoid expiration or conflicts with other applicants.
⚠️ Common Legal Pitfalls to Avoid
Too generic or descriptive names
“Best Corporation” or “Philippines Trading Inc.” are likely to be denied
Use of restricted terms without authority
Words like “Finance,” “Bank,” “Lending,” “University” require regulatory clearance
Copying a well-known brand
Even if the exact name isn’t registered, using a famous mark may violate Intellectual Property laws
Failure to register within the reservation window
After 90 days, the name becomes publicly available again
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (Legal Perspective)
Q: Can I reserve a name for a future business idea even if I’m not ready to register yet?
A: Yes. Name reservation is a standalone process that can be done in advance. However, make sure to renew or act before it expires.
Q: Can someone else use my reserved name?
A: No, once reserved under your name or account, it’s protected for the duration of your reservation.
Q: Can I change my name after reservation?
A: You can submit a new reservation, but you’ll need to restart the process and pay a new fee.
🏛 Final Thoughts from a Legal Professional
Business name reservation with the SEC may seem procedural, but it has significant legal consequences. The right name gives your company a unique legal identity—and more importantly, prevents future disputes, confusion, and trademark violations.
Start your business journey on strong legal footing:
✔️ Reserve the right name
✔️ Follow the rules
✔️ And complete your registration before time runs out
Navigating the business landscape in the Philippines can be both rewarding and intricate. Whether you’re embarking on a new venture or scaling up, ensuring that your corporate endeavors are in line with local regulations is paramount.
At CBOS Business Solutions Inc., we pride ourselves on simplifying these processes for our clients. As a seasoned professional services company, we offer comprehensive assistance with SEC Registration, Visa processing, and a myriad of other essential business requirements. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring that your business is compliant, well-established, and ready to thrive in the Philippine market.
Why venture into the complexities of business registration and compliance alone? Allow our team to guide you every step of the way. After all, your success is our commitment.
Get in touch today and let us be your partner in achieving your business goals in the Philippines.
Email Address: gerald.bernardo@cbos.com.ph
Mobile No.: +639270032851
You can also click this link to schedule a meeting.
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