Chapter III - Incorporation of Limited Liability Partnership and Matters Incidental Thereto
Section 15
Section 15: Name
An LLP name ends with “limited liability partnership” or “LLP”. The Central Government may reject a name it considers undesirable or too close to another LLP, a company or another person’s registered trade mark.
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Need advice on Section 15?
This article is for general information. Refer to the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.
Statutory text
Bare law
(1) Every limited liability partnership shall have either the words "limited liability partnership" or the acronym "LLP" as the last words of its name. (2) No limited liability partnership shall be registered by a name which, in the opinion of the Central Government is— (a) undesirable; or (b) identical or too nearly resembles to that of any other limited liability partnership or a company or a registered trade mark of any other person under the Trade Marks Act, 1999 (47 of 1999).
Key takeaways
Required ending
The final words must be “limited liability partnership” or the acronym “LLP”.
Undesirable names
Registration is barred for a name undesirable in the Central Government’s opinion.
Similarity test
The amended clause (2)(b) covers another LLP, a company and any other person’s registered trade mark under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
Build the required suffix into the proposed name
Check the exact ending before applying for reservation or incorporation. Section 15(1) is mandatory for every LLP.
Search conflicting names and marks
Check existing LLP and company names and registered trade marks. Section 15(2)(b), substituted in 2022, expressly covers all three categories.
Understand the Government’s role
The statutory test states that no LLP shall be registered by a name which, in the Central Government’s opinion, falls within the prohibited categories. Name reservation under section 16 is a related but separate step.
Practical preparation
Review these points for the specific transaction or filing.
- Ensure the proposed name ends in “limited liability partnership” or “LLP”.
- Check whether the name is undesirable in the Central Government’s opinion.
- Compare the name with LLPs, companies and registered trade marks covered by section 15(2)(b).
- Keep the name-search and decision record.
Practical checklist
Do
- Screen proposed names against LLP, company and trade-mark records.
- Use the statutory suffix as the last words.
Avoid
- Do not treat name reservation as overriding section 15’s prohibitions.
- Do not rely on the old clause (2)(b), which omitted the updated registered-trade-mark wording.
Illustrative example
Hypothetical: name too close to a trade mark
Elm LLP proposes a name closely resembling another person’s registered trade mark.
Check suffix
Confirm the proposed name ends with the required LLP designation.
Compare names
Assess the proposed name against the section 15(2) prohibited grounds.
Revise proposal
Choose a different name if the Registrar cannot register the proposed one.
Outcome
- A proposed name within section 15(2)(b) cannot be registered, even if it carries the required LLP suffix.
Glossary
- Undesirable name
- A proposed name considered undesirable in the Central Government’s opinion under section 15(2)(a).
- Registered trade mark
- A mark registered under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, referred to in amended section 15(2)(b).
Frequently asked questions
Can an LLP use a name without “LLP” at the end?
Section 15(1) requires either “limited liability partnership” or “LLP” as the last words.
Does a registered trade mark matter to LLP naming?
Yes. Amended section 15(2)(b) includes another person’s registered trade mark under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026