Choosing your company name (trade name)

If you set up a company in the Netherlands, you must choose a company name (trade name). The company name must meet the conditions of the Trade Name Act (Handelsnaamwet). This basically means that you have to choose a name that is unique in the sector and region in which you operate.

Registering your company name

You have to submit the company name when you register with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK (Kamer van Koophandel, KVK). They will pass on your details to the Netherlands Tax Administration (Belastingdienst). If you wish to use your company name as a trademark, you must register your company name at the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP).

Company name protection

You should actively use your company name in order for it to be protected by the Trade Name Act. You can do this for instance by displaying the name on your website, your building, your website, or invoices.

Rules for your company name (trade name)

Your company name should not be misleading. If you choose a company name, you must follow the rules of the Trade Name Act:

• You may not use another person’s name in your company name, unless you are taking over a company that is named after another person. Otherwise, you may only use your own personal name.
• You cannot incorporate a brand name used by another company.
• Your company name may not be the same as another company’s name. It may also not be similar to that of another company if it is potentially misleading to customers or suppliers. For instance, if you both offer the same products or services in the same area. You can check with KVK’s Name Check tool if a company name is already in use.
• The name you choose should not be incorrect: for example, as a sole proprietor, you cannot name your business with an addition such as '& partners' or '& co'. Your company name should not give the wrong impression as to what your business does. This also means you cannot pretend to have a legal structure that your business does not have. For instance, you cannot use the term 'foundation' in your name if your company is not legally a foundation.
• Your company should not give the wrong impression of what your company does, makes or sells.

What to do if company names are similar?

Do you think another company's name is misleading or confusing with regard to your own company name? You can demand the other company to change its name. To do so you need to start proceedings at your local district court (in Dutch).

Name change

If you wish to change the name of your company or if you wish to add an additional company name, you should pass this information on to KVK. You can use the change form for submitting changes to your business details. As with the first-time registration, KVK will pass on the information about the name change to the Tax Administration.