How to Check Company Name Availability in the Czech Republic

Choosing a name is one of the first steps when registering a company in the Czech Republic. It’s the name you’ll use on your website, invoices, contracts, and other business documents.

But what if you’ve already chosen a name, prepared your incorporation documents, and arranged a notary appointment, and then find out that another company has the same or a very similar name?

The notary wouldn’t be able to complete the incorporation under that name. You would need to choose another name and update the documents you’ve already prepared that contain the company name.

That’s why it’s important to check your company name before starting the registration process.

Czech law doesn’t allow you to register a company under a name that is identical or confusingly similar to an existing registered business name.

In this article, we’ll explain how to check company name availability in the Czech Republic, what naming rules apply, and what you should know before registering your company.

How to Check Company Name Availability in the Czech Republic

You can check existing company names in the Czech Commercial Register (Obchodní rejstřík). It’s an official public register maintained by the Czech Ministry of Justice, and you can search it for free.

The register shows company names, identification numbers (IČO), registered addresses, and other company information.

How to check your company name:

1. Open the Czech Commercial Register.

2. Enter the company name you want to register.

3. Check if another company already has the same name.

4. Search again using only the main words from your proposed name.

5. Check for similar names, including different spelling, punctuation, and word order.

For example, if you want to register Blue Panda s.r.o., don’t search only for the full name. Also try Blue Panda, BluePanda, and Blue Pandas.

You should check names that contain the same main words, even if they have something extra added.

 Even if you don’t find an identical name, it doesn’t mean your proposed company name will be accepted. Another company could already be registered under a name that’s too similar.

Czech Company Naming Rules

The main rules for company names are set out in Section 424 of the Czech Civil Code (Act No. 89/2012 Coll.).

There are two important requirements.

1. Your company name must not be confusingly similar to an existing business name.

You cannot register a company under the same name as another registered business. Even if the names aren’t identical, they can still be considered too similar.

2. Your company name must not be misleading.

For example, you cannot choose a name that makes your business look like a government office or makes people think your business is connected to another company when it isn’t.

These rules apply across the Czech Republic.

If a company is registered in Brno, you cannot simply use the same name because you’re opening your company in Prague.

The rules also apply to English and other foreign-language company names.

What Makes Two Company Names Too Similar?

A company name doesn’t have to be exactly the same as another name to cause a problem.

For example, adding CZ, changing one letter, or putting a hyphen between two words doesn’t automatically make the name different enough.

When a proposed company name is checked, the important question is if it could be confused with an existing registered business name.

Changing a letter, adding a word, or using different punctuation doesn’t automatically make a company name different enough. Here are some examples of names that are still very similar despite these changes.

Yes. It’s not just about how the name is written. How it sounds also matters.

For example, Blue Panda and Blue-Panda look slightly different, but they sound exactly the same.

The same problem can happen if you replace a letter with a number. For example, FIRMA and FIRM4 are not automatically considered different names.

Czech accents also matter. Removing the accent from Modrá doesn’t automatically make Modra a different name.

If you’re choosing an English name, check names that sound similar when pronounced, even if they’re spelled differently.

There is no general rule saying that two company names must differ by at least three letters.

Czech law also doesn’t set a percentage that determines if two names are too similar.

Some online tools show a similarity score, such as 80% or 90%. This helps identify names worth checking, but the percentage doesn’t determine if a Czech notary or registration court will accept your proposed name.

For example, changing three letters doesn’t automatically make a name acceptable. Two names can still sound very similar.

If you find another company with a similar name, don’t assume that a small spelling change will solve the problem.

Can Two Companies Have the Same Name with Different Legal Forms?

No. If another company already uses the same name, changing the legal form from s.r.o. to a.s. doesn’t mean you can register it.

For example, if Blue Panda s.r.o. already exists, you cannot register Blue Panda a.s.

When checking the Commercial Register, search for company names under all legal forms, not just s.r.o.

Every Czech company must include its legal form, such as s.r.o. or a.s., in its registered name.

If you’re registering an s.r.o., you also need to check company names registered under other legal forms, not just s.r.o.

There is a special rule for companies that belong to the same group or holding company.

These companies can share the same main name, as long as each company has a different registered name.

For example, Blue Panda Consulting s.r.o. and Blue Panda Services s.r.o. can share the name Blue Panda if they belong to the same group and meet the legal requirements.

Can You Register a Czech Company with an English Name?

Yes. You can register a Czech company with an English name.

You don’t have to choose a Czech name or translate your company name into Czech.

For example, you can choose a name such as Green Fox Consulting s.r.o. or Happy Planet Studio s.r.o., as long as it follows Czech company naming rules.

The important thing is that the name must not be too similar to another registered business name or misleading.

You also need to include the correct legal form, such as s.r.o.

Before choosing an English name, check how it sounds when pronounced by Czech speakers. A name that looks different in English can still sound similar to an existing company name.

Can You Use a City Name or Surname?

Yes. Czech company names can include city names and personal names.

However, there are a few things to consider.

You can use a city name such as Prague or Brno as part of your company name.

For example, Prague Creative Studio s.r.o. isn’t automatically prohibited just because the company has its registered office somewhere else.

But the name must not be misleading.

Also, adding a city name doesn’t automatically resolve a conflict with an existing company name.

You can use your first name or surname in a company name.

If you want to use someone else’s name, you need to make sure you have the right to do so.

For example, using the name of a well-known person can cause problems if it suggests that the person owns, supports, or is connected to your business when that isn’t true.

What Company Names Are Not Allowed in the Czech Republic?

Even if nobody else has registered your proposed name, it still needs to follow Czech naming rules.

One important rule is that the name must not be misleading.

For example, if you’re opening a private consulting company, you cannot choose a misleading name that makes it look like an official government authority.

A name such as Czech State Registration Authority s.r.o. raises concerns if it falsely suggests government status.

A company name must not give a false impression about:

• The company’s connection to a government office.

• The type of business it operates.

• Its relationship with another company.

• Its connection to a particular person.

• Its location or geographical connections.

This doesn’t mean your company name must describe exactly what your business does.

For example, a consulting company doesn’t have to include the word Consulting in its name.

The main requirement is that the name must not give people a false impression about the business.

Should You Check Trademarks Before Registering a Company?

Yes. Check existing trademarks before choosing your company name.

A registered company name and a registered trademark are two different things.

A company name identifies your business in the Commercial Register.

A trademark protects a name, logo, or another sign used for particular goods or services.

This means your preferred company name can be available in the Commercial Register even though someone already has trademark rights.

For example, imagine you’re registering a company and planning to use the same name for your website, products, and advertising.

Before spending money on branding, check if someone already owns a relevant trademark.

You can search trademarks through the Czech Industrial Property Office.

What Happens if Your Company Name Is Rejected?

If your proposed company name is too similar to an existing company name or doesn’t meet Czech naming rules, you cannot register the company under that name.

You will need to choose another name before registration can continue.

This can become expensive if you’ve already prepared and signed your company registration documents.

For example, your power of attorney, director’s declaration, or registered office consent might already include the proposed company name.

If the notary rejects the name, you will need to choose another one and prepare new versions of the affected documents. If they were signed abroad, arranging new signatures and sending the documents to the Czech Republic takes additional time and money.

That’s why we recommend checking your proposed company name before preparing or signing any registration documents.

Under Section 90 of Act No. 304/2013 Coll., the registration court checks if a proposed company name is too similar to an existing name or is misleading.

Checking the Commercial Register in advance helps you avoid these problems, but it doesn’t guarantee that your name will be accepted.

When Should You Check Your Company Name?

Check your proposed company name before preparing any registration documents or booking an appointment with a notary.

In our experience, many people only discover that their company name is too similar to an existing one when they visit the notary. By then, they have often already prepared and signed documents that include the proposed name.

To avoid delays and additional costs, we recommend these steps:

1. Choose your preferred company name and a few alternatives.

2. Search the Czech Commercial Register for identical and similar names.

3. Check existing trademarks.

4. If you find a similar name, ask your notary for an opinion before preparing the documents.

5. Check the Commercial Register again shortly before registration.

Remember: A company name that was available during your first search might no longer be available when you register your company.

Frequently Asked Questions