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BOE-A-2026-6850 ·24 March 2026 ·Resolution Low impact
Tax

Denial of name reservation: Central Mercantile Registry may reject names due to phonetic similarity with existing ones

The Directorate General for Legal Certainty and Public Faith has analysed an appeal against the rejection of the name 'Centrofincas, SL'. The Central Mercantile Registry denied the application due to the existence of the name 'Cèntric Finques, S.L.', citing notable phonetic similarity and the addition of generic terms (Art. 408.1 RRM and Art. 10 O.M. of 30/12/91). The ruling emphasises that the assessment must prevent confusion regarding products or services in the market.

In 2 key points

  1. Denial due to phonetic similarity and use of generic terms, Art. 408.1 RRM (art. 408.1 RRM)
  2. The addition of generic or insignificant words does not prevent identity of name if similarity persists (art. 408.1 RRM)

How it affects those involved

For professionals and entrepreneurs applying for the reservation of a corporate name, the ruling confirms that textual identity is not the sole criterion for exclusion. The existence of names with phonetic similarity or those that merely add generic terms (such as 'Centrofincas' versus 'Cèntric Finques') is sufficient grounds for denial (Art. 408.1 RRM). This necessitates more exhaustive searches and the proposal of names with genuine differentiating elements to avoid the risk of confusion.

Lifecycle

2026-03-24PublishedPublished in the BOE
Official text Based on BOE data (boe.es). Information, not advice.

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This analysis is informational only and does not constitute legal advice or create a client-adviser relationship. BM Consulting.
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