Q128 · Are there any restrictions on the name of a…

Q128 · Category C: Applicant eligibility and personnel requirements (Q101–Q150)

Yes, the use of company names is subject to certain restrictions. First, under the Companies Ordinance, a company name must not be the same as a company name already registered with the Companies Registry. Secondly, the use of certain words requires special approval. For example, if a company name includes “pharmacy”, “dispensary” or “pharmaceutical”, you must first obtain the consent of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board before applying to the Companies Registry to register the name. Similarly, words such as “hospital”, “medical” and “health” may require approval from the relevant departments. This is intended to prevent company names from misleading the public into believing that the company has qualifications or licences that it has not obtained.

📘 Regulatory basis

The Companies (Words and Expressions in Company Names) Order (Cap. 622K) and the Companies Registry’s Guidelines on Registration of Company Names set out restricted words. In the medicines sector, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board is one of the key approval authorities.

📗 Drew Tang's recommendations

We recommend that clients conduct a comprehensive company search before deciding on a company name to avoid duplicating an existing company's name. If you wish to use restricted words, we can initiate the procedure for seeking approval from the relevant departments at the company incorporation stage. A more prudent strategy is to first incorporate the company under a neutral name. RGYS may assist with document preparation and project coordination within the written scope of services; the respective responsible parties must verify personnel qualifications and statutory roles and take responsibility for professional judgements, while approval is determined independently by the competent authority. You can then apply to change the company name.

📕 Risk notice

If a company is registered using a restricted word without approval, the Companies Registry will reject the application. If, before obtaining a licence, you use a name implying authorisation—such as “XX Certified Pharmaceutical Factory”—in promotional materials or on your website, this may constitute false advertising and seriously affect the assessment of your integrity in the licence application.

Plan Your Hong Kong Pharmaceutical Licensing Project with Drew Tang

Business Manager Tang Shangyong (Drew Tang) will review your products, operating model, licence type and preparation requirements with you one-to-one. The precise service scope is confirmed in writing; pharmaceutical duties are carried out by legally qualified personnel, and approvals are determined by the competent authorities.

Are there any restrictions on the name of a company applying for a pharmaceutical licence? Can it include words such as “pharmaceutical” or “medical”?

Plan Your Hong Kong Pharmaceutical Licensing Project with Drew Tang