Name of company and change of name

(1) A company may not be registered by a name identical with that by which a company in existence is already registered, or so nearly resembling that name as to be calculated to deceive, except where the company in existence is in the course of being dissolved and signifies its consent in such manner as the Registrar requires. (2) If a company, through inadvertence or otherwise, is, without such consent as mentioned in sub-section (1), registered by a name identical with that by which a company in existence 23 is previously registered, or so nearly resembling it as to be calculated to deceive, the first-mentioned company may, with the sanction of the Registrar, change its name. (3) A company may by special resolution and with the approval of the Minister signified in writing change its name. (4) Where a company changes its name under this section, the Registrar shall enter the new name on the register in place of the former name, and shall issue a certificate of incorporation altered to meet the circumstances of the case. (5) A change of name by a company under this section shall not affect any rights or obligations of the company or render defective any legal proceedings by or against the company, and any legal proceedings that might have been continued or commenced against it by its former name may be continued or commenced against it by its new name.