Section 161 — Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)

Effect of name change

(1) A change of company name does not:

(a) create a new legal entity; or

(b) affect the company’s existing property, rights or obligations; or

(c) render defective any legal proceedings by or against the company.

(2) Any legal proceedings that could have been continued or begun by or against the company in its former name may be continued or begun by or against it in its new name.

Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 17 May 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au. Verify the current text against the official source before relying on it.

Related sections

s 158 — ASIC’s power to direct company to change its name
s 159 — ASIC’s power to include “Limited” in company’s name
s 160 — ASIC must issue new certificate if company’s name changes
s 161A — Company under external administration—former name to be used on documents
s 162 — Changing company type
s 163 — Applying for change of type

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