# Step 1 of LLP Incorporation — Name (Sections 15 & 16)

## Mandatory Suffix (Section 15)

Every LLP's name must end with either:

The words 'Limited Liability Partnership', OR
The acronym 'LLP'.

## Names That Cannot Be Registered (Section 15(2))

The Central Government will refuse a name that, in its opinion, is:

1. Undesirable; or

2. Identical or too nearly resembles to that of:

Any other existing LLP, or
Any other company, or
A registered trademark of any other person under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.

## Reservation Process (Section 16)

Step	Particular
1	Applicant files application in prescribed form with prescribed fee to the Registrar.
2	On receipt + payment, if the Registrar is satisfied, he reserves the name.
3	Validity of reservation: 3 months from the date of intimation by the Registrar.

## Practical Note — Forms

Name reservation: e-Form 1 (RUN-LLP in current MCA portal)
The user must check name availability before filing.

Worked example

### Example 1

Q. Promoters propose the name 'TATA Consulting LLP'. Discuss whether this can be registered.

A. No. 'TATA' is a registered trade mark and using it would likely deceive or cause confusion. The Central Government will treat the name as resembling a registered trademark and refuse registration under Section 15(2)(b).

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

Forgetting that the name reservation is valid only for 3 months (not 6 months as for companies under Companies Act).
Omitting the LLP suffix or using a private label like 'Pvt Ltd'.

Bare-Act text Sections 15 & 16 · Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 · click to expand

Section 15 — Every LLP shall have either the words 'limited liability partnership' or the acronym 'LLP' as the last words of its name. LLP shall not be registered by a name which, in the opinion of the Central Government is undesirable, or identical or too nearly resembles to that of any other LLP or a company or a registered trade mark under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. Section 16 — On payment of prescribed fee, the Registrar may, if satisfied, reserve the name for a period of 3 months from the date of intimation.

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Incorporation Process — Name Reservation (Sections 15 & 16)

Worked example

⚠️ Common exam mistakes