Business Names Registration Act 2014 · 2020 Revised Edition · Part 2 · Registration
16. Reservation of business names
Feedback & supportA person may apply to reserve a name as the person’s proposed registered business name by lodging an application with the Registrar.
name
“full name” or “name” means —(a)in the case of an individual registered under the National Registration Act 1965 — the name as it appears in the latest identity card issued to that individual under section 9 of that Act; or(b)in the case of an individual not registered under the National Registration Act 1965 — the name as it appears in the latest passport issued to that individual or such other similar evidence of identification as is available;
The Registrar may approve an application made under subsection (1) only if the Registrar is satisfied that —
Registrar
“Registrar” means the Registrar of Business Names appointed under section 3(2) and includes any Deputy Registrar or Assistant Registrar of Business Names appointed under that section;
the application is made in good faith; and
the business name to be reserved is one in respect of which the person may be registered having regard to section 17(1), (2) and (3).
The Registrar must refuse to approve an application to reserve a name under subsection (1) if the Registrar is satisfied that —
the name is for a business that is likely to be used for an unlawful purpose or for purposes prejudicial to public peace, welfare or good order in Singapore;
it would be contrary to the national security or interest for the business name to be registered; or
the application is by or on behalf of a foreign company that is not registered under Division 2 of Part 11 of the Companies Act 1967.
Where an application for a reservation of a name is made under subsection (1), the Registrar must reserve the proposed registered business name for a period starting at the time the Registrar receives the application and ending —
registered business name
“registered business name” means the business name in respect of which a person is registered under section 8;
if the Registrar approves the application, 60 days after the date on which the Registrar notifies the applicant that the application has been approved, or such further period of 60 days as the Registrar may, on application made in good faith, extend; or
if the Registrar refuses to approve the application, on the date on which the Registrar notifies the applicant of the refusal.
A person aggrieved by a decision of the Registrar —
refusing to approve an application under subsection (1); or
refusing an application under subsection (4)(a) to extend the reservation period,may, within 30 days after being informed of the Registrar’s decision, appeal to the Minister whose decision is final.