How to name a company lawfully and avoid duplicates (with examples)

The company name is a common reason registration dossiers are sent back for correction. Knowing the rules below helps you choose a valid name from the start – and makes later trademark registration easier.

Structure of a Company Name

A Vietnamese name consists of the enterprise type + a distinctive name. The enterprise type is written as “Công ty trách nhiệm hữu hạn” or “Công ty TNHH”, “Công ty cổ phần” or “Công ty CP”, “Doanh nghiệp tư nhân” or “DNTN”. The distinctive name is written in Vietnamese letters, the letters F, J, Z, W, numerals and symbols.

Example: Công ty TNHH Thương mại Dịch vụ An Phát – where “Thương mại Dịch vụ” is the business line (optional) and “An Phát” is the core distinctive name.

Structure of a Company Name

1. LLCTypeMandatory
2. Thương mại Dịch vụBusiness linesOptional
3. An PhátDistinctive nameRequired, not duplicated

What Is Prohibited in a Company Name

• Using a name identical or confusingly similar to a registered enterprise.
• Using the names of state agencies, armed forces units, socio-political organizations, etc. (unless approved).
• Using words or symbols that violate national history, culture, ethics and fine customs.

What Counts as a Confusing Name?

Under Article 41 of the Law on Enterprises, a name is treated as identical or confusingly similar to a registered enterprise when, for example:

• The Vietnamese name sounds the same as a registered enterprise name.
• The distinctive name is identical to that of a registered enterprise – even if the enterprise type differs.
• Compared with an enterprise of the same type, the distinctive name differs only by a natural number, an ordinal number, a letter placed right after the name, or by the symbols “&”, “và”, “.”, “,”, “+”, “-”, “_”.
• Compared with an enterprise of the same type, it differs only by the word “tân” immediately before, or the word “mới” immediately after or before the distinctive name.
• Compared with an enterprise of the same type, it differs only by the phrase “miền Bắc”, “miền Nam”, “miền Trung”, “miền Tây” or “miền Đông”.

Example: if “Công ty TNHH An Phát” already exists, then “Công ty TNHH An Phát 2” and “Công ty TNHH An Phát Mới” will both be rejected; “Công ty cổ phần An Phát” is also refused because the distinctive name is identical.

If “Công ty TNHH An Phát” already exists, the following names are not accepted

• Công ty TNHH An Phát 2Differs only by a natural number
• Công ty TNHH An Phát MớiDiffers only by the word “mới”
• Công ty TNHH Tân An PhátDiffers only by the word “tân” in front
• Công ty TNHH An Phát Miền NamDiffers only by a regional phrase
• Công ty TNHH An-PhátDiffers only by a symbol
• Công ty cổ phần An PhátIdentical distinctive name, even though the enterprise type differs

Foreign-Language Names and Abbreviations

A foreign-language name is the Vietnamese name translated into a language using the Latin alphabet. An abbreviation is shortened from the Vietnamese or foreign-language name. Neither may be identical to the corresponding name of another enterprise.

How to Search a Company Name

Go to the National Business Registration Portal and enter the intended distinctive name to check it. Note that search results are for reference only – the business registration authority has the final decision.

Tips for a Good Name

• Short, easy to read and remember; avoid very common words such as “Phát” or “Thịnh” standing alone.
• Check the domain name and social media handles at the same time.
• Check trademark protectability before printing materials or making signage.

Content reviewed by Lawyer Đoàn Minh Đức (Director – Managing Lawyer); updated 15 Oct 2026.

This article is for reference only, based on regulations as of the update date. For advice on your specific case, please contact a lawyer.