What Is RUN (Reserve Unique Name) Form?

Imagine you want to open a shop and give it a special name. Before putting that name on your signboard, you need to check whether someone else is already using it. RUN Form works in a similar way for companies in India. It helps businesses take the first step towards an official name change.

Need assistance? Connect with Startup Movers for incorporation, registration, compliance and expert guidance to make your business journey smooth. 

What Is RUN Form?

RUN stands for Reserve Unique Name. It is an online service provided by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) that allows an existing company to apply for approval of a new name when it wants to change its current name. The company must get the proposed name approved before using it officially.

In simple words, RUN helps an existing company ask the government, “Can we use this new name for our business?” The MCA checks the application and decides whether to approve or reject it.

Who Can File RUN Form?

RUN Form is mainly used by existing companies registered in India that want to change their name. The application must relate to a valid, existing company.

For example, if ABC Private Limited wants to change its name to XYZ Private Limited, it will use RUN to apply for approval of the proposed name.

A person planning to start a completely new company generally uses SPICe+ Part A, rather than RUN Company, to reserve its name. 

Important: Under Rule 29 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014, a company cannot complete a name change if it has defaulted in filing its required annual returns, financial statements or other prescribed ROC documents, or in repayment of matured deposits, debentures or related interest. Companies should clear applicable defaults before proceeding with the name-change process. 

Which Companies Can and Cannot Use RUN Form?

Who can use the RUN Form?

• Existing Private Limited Companies that want to change their registered name.
• Existing Public Limited Companies seeking approval for a new name before completing the name-change process.
• Existing Section 8 Companies who are eligible and want to change their name, subject to applicable legal and regulatory approvals.
• Other eligible registered companies incorporated under the Companies Act that need to reserve a new name for a proposed name change.
• People registering a new LLP generally use RUN-LLP or the applicable LLP incorporation process.

Who cannot use the RUN Form?

• People starting a new company generally use SPICe+ Part A to reserve a name.
• Sole proprietorships do not use RUN Company to register or change a business name.
• Partnership firms do not use RUN Company for ordinary firm-name registration or changes.
• Existing LLPs changing their name use the applicable LLP name-change process, not RUN Company.

RUN is mainly used by an existing company that wants to change its official name, while RUN-LLP is used by an existing LLP to change its registered name. If you are starting a new company or LLP, you must follow the relevant incorporation process. A sole proprietorship follows a separate registration process, as it is not incorporated through the MCA like a company or LLP.

What Are the Uses of RUN Form?

RUN Form helps companies reserve a new name without immediately completing the entire company name-change process.

Its main uses include:

• Changing a company's name: A company can apply to replace its existing name with a new one
• Checking name availability: It allows the MCA to examine whether the proposed name meets the applicable naming rules
• Protecting business identity: Approval helps the company move forward with its proposed name, subject to the applicable rules
• Making the process simpler: The company can apply for name reservation online instead of submitting a physical application

For example, if a clothing company wants to rebrand itself as a fashion and lifestyle company, it can use RUN to seek approval for a suitable new name.

What Is the Process of Filing RUN Form?

Filing RUN Form is an online process. Here is how it works:

• Step 1: Visit the MCA website: Go to the official Ministry of Corporate Affairs website and log in to your account.
• Step 2: Open the RUN Company service: Find the RUN Company service under the MCA's company services section.
• Step 3: Enter company details: Provide the required details, including the company's valid Corporate Identity Number (CIN).
• Step 4: Enter the proposed name: Enter the proposed new company name and use the MCA's name-check facility to identify potential naming conflicts. Ensure that the proposed name complies with the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014. 
• Step 5: Attach supporting documents, if required: If the proposed name needs supporting documents, such as consent from a trademark owner, self-attested PAN of trademark owner and attach the relevant documents.
• Step 6: Submit the application and pay the fee: Check all the information carefully, submit the application and pay the applicable fee.
• Step 7: Wait for the MCA's decision: The MCA's Central Registration Centre (CRC) reviews the application. The proposed name may be approved, rejected or sent back for resubmission, depending on the application and applicable rules.

Key Consideration before applying for RUN Form: 

• RUN approval only reserves the proposed company name. To complete the name change, the company generally needs to pass a special resolution, file Form MGT-14, obtain approval through Form INC-24 and receive a fresh Certificate of Incorporation in Form INC-25. 
• The name change takes legal effect when the fresh certificate is issued. 
• There is another method to reserve your company name apart from the RUN form: SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus). Through SPICe+ Part A, you can apply for company name reservation before proceeding with incorporation. You can file Part A separately or submit it along with Part B to complete the company registration process.

What Documents Required for Filing RUN Form ?

To file the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) Form, a company needs to keep a few details and supporting documents ready. The exact documents depend on the proposed name.

• Company CIN: The Corporate Identity Number of the existing company
• No Objection Certificate (NOC): Required where applicable, such as when permission is needed from a trademark owner or another entity
• Trademark documents: Relevant trademark registration details or approval from the owner, if the proposed name uses a protected trademark
• Supporting documents: Any documents needed to explain or justify the proposed name, depending on the case

Important checkpoint: A Board Resolution approving the proposed name change is generally required as part of the subsequent name-change process. Do not assume it is a mandatory attachment for every RUN application; check the current MCA guidelines for name approval.

What Is the Validity of RUN Form?

Once the MCA approves a company's proposed name through RUN, the name is generally reserved for 60 days from the date of approval.

This means the company has a limited period to complete the required name-change formalities. If it does not act within the validity period, the reservation may expire, and the name may become available to others.

For example, if your proposed name is approved on 1 October, the reservation generally remains valid for 60 days from that date. Always check the approval letter for the exact expiry date.

What Is Resubmission in RUN Form?

Sometimes, the MCA may find that an application needs corrections or additional information. Instead of immediately rejecting it, the authority may allow the applicant to submit the corrected application again. This is called resubmission.

For RUN Company, the applicable rules generally allow a resubmission window of 15 days when the application is marked for resubmission.

For example, if the MCA asks for clarification about your proposed company name, you should provide the required explanation or documents within the permitted period.

Important: Resubmission is not the same as filing a completely new application. Follow the instructions in the MCA notification and complete the corrections before the deadline. If the deadline is missed, the application may be rejected or closed.

What Is the Cost of Filing a RUN Form?

The standard government filing fee for RUN Company is generally ₹1,000 per application. The fee is for applying to reserve the proposed name; professional fees, if you hire a company secretary or another professional, are separate.

Note: Government fees and filing requirements can change, so confirm the current amount on the MCA portal before submitting your application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filing RUN Form

A small mistake can delay your application or lead to rejection. Keep these points in mind:

• Choosing a name that already exists: Check whether a similar company or LLP name is already registered
• Ignoring trademark rights: Do not use a protected trademark without the necessary permission
• Using confusingly similar words: Small spelling changes, extra words or different word arrangements may not make a name sufficiently different
• Entering incorrect company details: Check the CIN and other required information carefully
• Forgetting supporting documents: Attach the required consent letters or other documents where applicable
• Missing the resubmission deadline: Check your MCA account and notifications regularly
• Assuming name approval means complete registration: RUN reserves the proposed name; it does not finish the entire name-change process

What Is the Difference Between RUN, RUN-LLP and SPICe+ Form?

Both RUN and SPICe+ can be used for company name reservation, but they serve different purposes.

• RUN Form: RUN (Reserve Unique Name) Form is used by an existing company that wants to change its current name. It helps the company get approval for a new name from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). However, it does not complete the entire name-change process.
• RUN-LLP: is an online form on the MCA portal used to reserve a name for a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) in India. It allows applicants to check whether their proposed name can be approved before proceeding with registration. Once the name is approved, it is reserved for the permitted period, but the LLP must still complete the incorporation process to become legally registered.
• SPICe+ Form: SPICe+ is used to register a new company in India. Through Part A, applicants can apply to reserve a company name, while Part B is used for incorporation and related registrations. In simple words, RUN is for changing an existing company's name, RUN-LLP is for starting a new LLP whereas SPICe+ is for starting a new company.

Conclusion

RUN Form is a simple online service that helps an existing company apply for approval of a new name. The company needs to enter the correct details, choose a name that follows MCA rules, pay the applicable fee and complete the remaining formalities after approval.

Before filing, always check the proposed name, supporting documents, fee and deadlines. A little preparation can save time and help your company complete its name-change process more smoothly.

Need assistance? Connect with Startup Movers for incorporation, registration, compliance and expert guidance to make your business journey smooth.