Effect of Change of Name

# Effect of Change of Name

## Key Principle

Change of name does NOT affect:

• Any rights of the company.
• Any obligations of the company.
• Any legal proceedings commenced under the old name.

## Important Caveat — Initiating New Proceedings

Once the new name is registered by the Registrar:

• Commencing legal proceedings in the former name is NOT competent.
• New proceedings must be filed in the new name.

## Entity Continuity

• The entity of the company continues in spite of the change.
• The company is NOT dissolved.
• No new company comes into existence by virtue of the change.

## Disclosure Obligation (Name Painted/Affixed)

Where a company has changed its name(s) during the last 2 years, it shall:

• Paint, affix or print the former name(s) alongside its current name.
• This applies wherever the name is displayed (per Section 12 requirements).

## Memory Aid

Name changes → Identity unchanged → Old proceedings continue → New proceedings in new name → Display old names for 2 years.