Chapter III - Incorporation of Limited Liability Partnership and Matters Incidental Thereto
Section 17
Section 17: Rectification of name of limited liability partnership
If an LLP was registered with a name identical or too close to another LLP, company or qualifying registered trade mark, the Central Government may direct a name change after the specified application. The 2022 replacement section sets response and filing steps.
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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) Notwithstanding anything contained in sections 15 and 16, if through inadvertence or otherwise, a limited liability partnership, on its first registration or on its registration by a new name, is registered by a name which is identical with or too nearly resembles to— (a) that of any other limited liability partnership or a company; or (b) a registered trade mark of a proprietor under the Trade Marks Act, 1999 (47 of 1999), as is likely to be mistaken for it, then on an application of such limited liability partnership or proprietor referred to in clauses (a) and (b) respectively or a company, the Central Government may direct that such limited liability partnership to change its name or new name within a period of three months from the date of issue of such direction: Provided that an application of the proprietor of the registered trade marks shall be maintainable within a period of three years from the date of incorporation or registration or change of name of the limited liability partnership under this Act. (2) Where a limited liability partnership changes its name or obtains a new name under sub-section (1), it shall within a period of fifteen days from the date of such change, give notice of the change to Registrar along with the order of the Central Government, who shall carry out necessary changes in the certificate of incorporation and within thirty days of such change in the certificate of incorporation, such limited liability partnership shall change its name in the limited liability partnership agreement. (3) If the limited liability partnership is in default in complying with any direction given under sub-section (1), the Central Government shall allot a new name to the limited liability partnership in such manner as may be prescribed and the Registrar shall enter the new name in the register of limited liability partnerships in place of the old name and issue a fresh certificate of incorporation with new name, which the limited liability partnership shall use thereafter: Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall prevent a limited liability partnership from subsequently changing its name in accordance with the provisions of section 16.
Key takeaways
Grounds and application
Section 17(1) applies to an identical or overly similar registered name and requires an application by the specified LLP, company or trade-mark proprietor.
Trade-mark limit
The registered trade-mark proprietor’s application must be made within three years of the relevant incorporation, registration or name change.
After a direction
The directed LLP has three months to change its name; it then gives notice within fifteen days and amends its agreement within thirty days after the certificate changes.
Check the conflict and applicant
Compare the registered name with another LLP or company, or with a registered trade mark likely to be mistaken for it. The statutory application and three-year trade-mark proviso matter.
Respond to the Government direction
The Central Government may direct the LLP to change its name or new name within three months of the direction. Track the direction date and identify an acceptable replacement under sections 15 and 16.
Complete post-change steps
Within fifteen days of the name change, give the Registrar notice with the Government order. After certificate changes, amend the LLP agreement within thirty days. If the LLP defaults on the direction, the Government shall allot a new name under prescribed procedure and the Registrar issues a fresh certificate.
Practical preparation
Review these points for the specific transaction or filing.
- Identify the conflicting LLP, company or registered trade mark and the statutory application route.
- For a trade-mark proprietor, check the three-year application period.
- If directed, change the LLP name within three months of the direction.
- Give Registrar notice within fifteen days of the change and amend the LLP agreement within thirty days after the certificate change.
Practical checklist
Do
- Preserve the Government order and fresh certificate.
- Calendar the three-month, fifteen-day and thirty-day periods separately.
Avoid
- Do not apply the omitted former section 18 as a current remedy.
- Do not use the pre-2022 section 17 procedure for current rectification.
Illustrative example
Hypothetical: Government-directed name rectification
Grove LLP receives a Central Government direction to change its name because of a qualifying conflict.
Date the direction
Calculate the three-month period from issue of the direction.
Change and notify
Choose a compliant name and notify the Registrar within fifteen days after the change, enclosing the order.
Update agreement
After the certificate changes, update the LLP agreement within thirty days.
Outcome
- If Grove LLP defaults on the direction, section 17(3) requires the Central Government to allot a new name under the prescribed manner.
Glossary
- Rectification
- Correction of an LLP’s registered name following the statutory conflict process.
- Trade-mark proprietor
- The owner of a registered trade mark whose application may invoke section 17(1)(b), subject to its three-year limit.
Frequently asked questions
What if the LLP ignores a section 17 direction?
Under section 17(3), the Central Government shall allot a new name in the prescribed manner, and the Registrar replaces the old name and issues a fresh certificate.
Can the LLP later choose another name?
Yes. The proviso to section 17(3) preserves a later name change under section 16.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026