Change of Name of LLP — Direction by Central Government (Section 17)
# Change of Name of LLP (Section 17)
## Trigger for the Central Government's Direction
The Central Government may direct an LLP to change its name where it is satisfied that the LLP has been registered (whether through inadvertence or otherwise, originally or by change) under a name which:
1. Resembles the name of any other LLP or Company, OR
2. Resembles a registered trade mark of a proprietor under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, as is likely to be mistaken for it.
## Procedural Time Limits
Stage
Time Limit
LLP must change name after CG's direction
Within 3 months from date of direction
Maintainability of trade mark proprietor's application
Within 3 years from date of incorporation / registration / change of name of LLP
Notice of change of name to Registrar
Within 15 days of such change, along with CG's order
Change of name in the LLP Agreement
Within 30 days of change in the certificate of incorporation
## Flowchart
```
Proprietor/Other LLP files application → CG examines → Direction issued
↓
LLP changes name within 3 months
↓
Intimation to Registrar within 15 days (with CG order)
↓
ROC updates certificate of incorporation
↓
LLP amends LLP Agreement within 30 days of updated certificate
```
## Memory Aid — "3-3-15-30"
3 months to comply with CG direction
3 years window for trademark proprietor's application
15 days to file intimation with Registrar
30 days to amend the LLP Agreement
Worked example
### Example 1
Q. 'ZenithTech LLP' was incorporated on 1st January 2024. On 1st January 2028, the proprietor of the registered trademark 'Zenith' applied to the Central Government seeking a direction for change of name. Is the application maintainable?
A.No. The application by a trade mark proprietor must be filed within 3 years from the date of incorporation/registration/change of name of the LLP. Here, the application is filed 4 years after incorporation, so it is time-barred.
### Example 2
Q. CG directed an LLP on 1st April 2025 to change its name. The LLP changed the name on 1st June 2025 but filed the intimation with the Registrar only on 1st July 2025. Identify any default.
A. Change within 3 months — compliant (April→June is 2 months). However, the intimation must be filed within 15 days of change (i.e., by 16th June 2025). Filing on 1st July 2025 = 15 days late → default under Section 17(3).
⚠️ Common exam mistakes
Mixing the time limits — students often confuse 3 months (for change), 15 days (for intimation), 30 days (for amending agreement), and 3 years (for trademark proprietor's application).
Believing trademark proprietors have unlimited time — they only have 3 years from the date of incorporation/registration/change of name.
Bare-Act text Section 17 · Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 · click to expand
Section 17 — (1) Where the Central Government is satisfied that a LLP has been registered under a name which resembles the name of any other LLP or Company or a registered trade mark of a proprietor under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, the Central Government may direct the LLP to change its name within a period of 3 months. (2) The application of a proprietor of a registered trade mark shall be maintainable within 3 years from the date of incorporation or registration or change of name of the LLP. (3) Where a LLP changes its name, it shall within 15 days from the date of such change, give notice to the Registrar along with the order of the Central Government, who shall carry out necessary changes in the certificate of incorporation and within 30 days of such change in the certificate, such LLP shall change its name in the LLP Agreement.