Section 1196A: Names suggesting connection with foreign governments etc

Companies Act 2006 · 2006 c. 46View on legislation.gov.uk

Part 41: Business names — Chapter 1: Restricted or prohibited names

A person must not carry on business in the United Kingdom under a name that would be likely to give the false impression that the business is connected with—

a foreign government or an agency or authority of a foreign government, or
an international organisation whose members include two or more countries or territories (or their governments).

A person who contravenes this section commits an offence.

Where an offence under this section is committed by a body corporate, an offence is also committed by every officer of the body who is in default.

A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale and, for continued contravention, a daily default fine not exceeding one-tenth of level 3 on the standard scale.

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Reuse reviewed 21 August 2026 under Open Government Licence v3.0.