Can You Check or Reserve a Company Name in Hong Kong?

Checking availability

• Use the free name search on the e-Services Portal in "Exact Name Search" mode, typing the full name exactly as you plan to register it (traditional characters for Chinese).
• Also check the list of old names subject to a change-of-name direction, linked from the search result.

No reservation The Ordinance has no mechanism for reserving a company name. The Registry therefore advises paying fees as soon as the preliminary result appears when filing online; otherwise someone else may register the same name first.

A search is not a guarantee

• Registrability is confirmed only after the application is processed.
• If the name turns out unacceptable, the application can be rejected and the lodgement fee is not refunded.

Other checks worth making

• Trademark Register (Intellectual Property Department) to reduce infringement risk.
• Domain names and social handles.
• Whether the name is "too like" an existing name; the Registrar can order a change after a complaint even though this is not tested at incorporation.