At Foster Moore, we’re constantly examining how business registries can be transformed to better serve a digital world. As governments worldwide continue to adapt their registry systems to meet modern demands, a foundational yet complex element of business registration persists: company name reservations.
In our latest white paper, Company Name Reservations in a Global Context, authors Justin Hygate, Bill Clarke, and Rosanne Bell dive into the past, present, and future of name determination. Company names have always played a critical role in business identity, yet establishing efficient, accurate name reservation processes remains a significant challenge across jurisdictions. By examining cases from Canada to Australia, they offer insights into how different countries approach the balance between protecting existing names, enabling new ones, and upholding legal standards.
One of the paper's standout topics is the role of AI in this evolution. As some government agencies are beginning to utilize artificial intelligence to automate parts of the approval process, we see a path toward faster, more accurate name determinations. AI's ability to streamline routine checks, flag conflicts, and even detect offensive language presents transformative opportunities for business registries worldwide. However, this new technology also raises important questions about transparency, accuracy, and the balance of human oversight—a topic our authors address in depth.
This exploration is more than a technical overview; it’s about preserving the integrity of business identity in an era of digital transformation. We invite you to download our white paper and explore how registries around the globe are reimagining name reservations to create a more connected, efficient, and forward-thinking future.