cégnevek

Cégnevek (Hungarian for “company names”) are the official names by which businesses are registered and identified in Hungary. They are recorded in the company register maintained by the courts and function as the primary legal identifier in contracts, invoices, and official filings. A cégnevet typically includes the legal form designation, such as Kft., Zrt., or Nyrt., indicating the type of entity and the extent of liability.

Before registering a company, the proposed name is checked for availability to ensure it is distinctive and not misleading or identical to an existing name. If available, the name can be reserved and later registered. Names must be distinctive, must not imply state endorsement or mislead about the entity’s activities, and should be clearly identifiable as the official form in public records.

Once registered, the cégnevet becomes the official name used in all legal acts and public communications. Changes to the name require amendments to the articles of association or other governing documents and re-registration with the company register. In addition to the legal name, a company may operate under a trade name (kereskedelmi név) for branding. The trade name is protected through branding or trademark law rather than serving as the formal corporate identifier.

Regulatory context: Company names are governed by national corporate law, including rules on uniqueness and non-misleading designation, and protection against impersonation. Practically, businesses should ensure consistency in documentation and branding and monitor name conflicts with other entities domestically and, where applicable, abroad.