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Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority

Filing a name complaint against a business entity

Explains how to request that another business change their name if it is too similar to yours, offensive, or improperly registered.

Last updated 29 January 2026

What is a name complaint

A name complaint is a formal request to ACRA for another business to change its name.

When you can submit a complain

You can submit a complain when a business name is

Example

Identical to an existing business name

"Wee Trading" and "Wee International Trading"

Too similar to your business name (might confuse customers)

"PQRS Confectionery" and "PQRS Bakery"

Note: You must file within 12 months of their registration. Check for identical or similar names every year. This helps you avoid missing the deadline.

Undesirable (contains vulgar, obscene, or offensive terms)

Names containing swear words

Protected by government or restricted by legislation

"Temasek" or other government-protected names

Filing a name complaint

Before you file a complaint

Here's what you need to know:

  • Who can file: Business owners or authorised representatives with Corppass

  • Cost: $200 application fee (payable by credit card, PayPal, Google Pay, or Apple Pay)

Required steps

What you need to do

Details

Read the guidelines

To better understand our approach towards name complaints:

Prepare your complaint

Gather these details about the other business:

  • Business name

  • Unique entity number (UEN)

  • (If available) address

  • Type and location of business activity

  • Customer base

  • Registration date

Tip: You can search the Bizfile portal (opens in new tab) for the exact business name and UEN.

Gather supporting documents

Collect documents that support your complaint:

  • Customer emails, letters, or calls sent to you by mistake

  • Invoices or financial records showing losses from name confusion

  • Communication between you and the other business

  • (If applicable) Court injunctions to stop the use of certain words

How to file a complaint

Steps to file a complaint

Steps

Details

  1. Open General lodgement (opens in new tab) on the Bizfile portal.

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  1. Submit your complaint and supporting documents.

Clearly state the following details in your written complaint:

  • Business name you are complaining about

  • UEN of the other business

  • (If available) Their business address

  • Type and location of business activity

  • Customer base

  • Basis of your complaint

  1. Pay the application fee.

After we accept your complaint, we will contact you to pay the $200 application fee.

You can pay via credit card (Visa and Mastercard), PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.

After you file a complaint

ACRA will review your complaint and provide updates throughout the process.

Complex cases may take longer to:

  • Gather details from both parties.

  • Review legal and factual submissions.