What are the restrictions for selecting a business name in Estonia?
In Estonia, there are several restrictions for choosing a business name:
- It must include a reference to the legal form of the company, like 'OÜ' or 'osaühing' (private limited company) at the beginning or end.
- For sole proprietors, it should include the first and last name of the proprietor.
- It can't contain the name of a person not involved in the business.
- It must be distinguishable from other business names in the Estonian business register.
- You can't use a protected trade mark without the owner's consent, unless it's unrelated to the trademark's field of protection.
- The business name and field of activity should not conflict.
- Names of state or local government bodies cannot be used.
- For branches of foreign companies, it must include the company name and 'Eesti filiaal' (Estonian branch).