Business name

Member since 20 December 2020

jkmetMember03 May 2021 18:58:19

When starting a business in Portugal, e.g., an Audiology Clinic and,

in accordance with Article 33 - Principle of novelty

3 - Denominations made up exclusively of everyday words that identify or relate to an activity (the reference to Audiology), technique or product, as well as toponyms and any indication of geographical origin (the reference to Algarve) are not allowed.

As I understand the law, You cannot have a business name that relates to the object or goals of your business, or the geographic area where you do your business.

Please help me understand the reason behind such a law. Is it permissible to advertise or market the business? Is it permissible to build a website? How can I gain Google placement for search terms if I can't identify my business with relevant search terms?

JohnnyPT Portugal Expert

Member since 23 May 2020

JohnnyPTPortugal Expert04 May 2021 00:21:08

4852

Regime do Registo Nacional de Pessoas Colectivas
Artigo 33.潞 - Princ铆pio da novidade

...
3 - N茫o s茫o admitidas denomina莽玫es constitu铆das exclusivamente por voc谩bulos de uso corrente que permitam identificar ou se relacionem com actividade, t茅cnica ou produto, bem como top贸nimos e qualquer indica莽茫o de proveni锚ncia geogr谩fica.

....

I.e., "exclusively"

_________

Thus:

You can have the word Algarve in the company name:
Eg.

(...)

You can have the activity (Audiologia, Audiometria, Oftalmologia, ....) in the company name:
Eg.

You can have the word Algarve in the company website:
Eg.

....

Hotels:

...
Real Estate Agency:

...
Formula 1 Racing circuit:

...
German Architect

...
Tips for Expats:

(...)

SimCityAT Expert

Member since 08 April 2014

SimCityATExpert04 May 2021 03:59:59

12200

JohnnyPT You need need to write an Expat Book聽

JohnnyPT Portugal Expert

Member since 23 May 2020

JohnnyPTPortugal Expert04 May 2021 10:03:52

4852

Search for Existing Company Names:

If the similarity score between your chosen name and those that already exist is less than 85% the business name may be viable for approval.

It is not allowed names like: Algarve Audiology, Audiologia do Algarve, Audiology Clinic

You must have another name(s) that distinguishes you and that does not have, exclusively, activity + region names

You can use names in English.
The advantage is that it is easily recognised by the expat market. The disadvantage is that it is difficult for the portuguese target market to easily understand and pronounce.

_______

How to choose the legal form of establishment of your company: private companies vs. collective companies:

jkmet Member

Member since 20 December 2020

jkmetMember04 May 2021 23:14:28

Thank you! I appreciate the information.

likej Member

Member since 30 November 2020

likejMember04 May 2021 23:49:43

Johnnypt-Would you be able to clarify this, because it did not seem like it fit with what you said.

I believe you said that the business name could NOT be exclusively: 1-the location, and 2-the type of business.

One of the sample links you gave was "Algarve Real Estate."

That is literally exactly what I thought you said they could NOT name the business.

What am I missing?

(and thanks for posting further info. Helpful

JohnnyPT Portugal Expert

Member since 23 May 2020

JohnnyPTPortugal Expert05 May 2021 00:20:56

4852

@Likej, Your question is relevant and thank you for posting it. The company's legal name and the website name are different issues. The rules for establishing the company's legal name are defined here:

The internet domain's name can be whatever you want, as long as it is available.聽 In this example you have mentioned, they have chosen to use a more commercial name, both in English and in Portuguese for the names of the 2 websites they own:

but the company is the same,
company's legal name = ARE- media莽茫o imobili谩ria, lda