PART 1

Companies etc

Business names

Use of name suggesting connection with foreign governments etc
23
In the Companies Act 2006, after section 1196 insert—

Names suggesting connection with foreign governments etc
1196A
1
A person must not carry on business in the United Kingdom under a name that would be likely to give the false impression that the business is connected with—
a
a foreign government or an agency or authority of a foreign government, or
b
an international organisation whose members include two or more countries or territories (or their governments).
2
A person who contravenes this section commits an offence.
3
Where an offence under this section is committed by a body corporate, an offence is also committed by every officer of the body who is in default.
4
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale and, for continued contravention, a daily default fine not exceeding one-tenth of level 3 on the standard scale.
S. 23 in force at Royal Assent for specified purposes, see s. 219(1)(2)(b)
S. 23 in force at 4.3.2024 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2024/269, reg. 2(r)