What cannot be a publication's title in RNI Title Registration?

Suppose you want to register your publication with the Registrar of Newspapers in India (RNI). In that case, registering for the publication's RNI Title registration is the first step toward the registration process. And to register for the publication's title, the applicant must observe the regulations and restrictions set by the RNI. We have detailed the restrictions set forth by the RNI in this article that the applicant must observe.

Guidelines for Title Registration for the RNI Publication

Title mustn't include Government Institutions

·         The proposed title must not contain the names of

Ø    Government Departments,

Ø    Government Organizations,

Ø    Foreign Governments,

Ø    International Organizations such as the UNO, WHO, ILO, etc.

These names suggest a misleading association with governmental or inter-governmental institutions. Therefore, refrain from using such titles for newspaper registration.

·         The proposed title must not attribute association with public welfare schemes of Central/State Governments or its organizations or local bodies.

·         The proposed title must not use the name of regulatory/ enforcement agencies in the country-Police, Bureau, Investigation Department, Vigilance, CID, CBI, etc.

·         The proposed title must not be similar to any National Symbol or National Motto or give an impression of misleading association with Central Government/ State Governments/ Local bodies.

Title mustn't contain Advertisements words

The proposed title must not use words like ad/ advertisement, classified, tender, real estate, calendar, panchang, matrimonial, yellow pages, guide, diary, gist, fact sheet, bulletin, pamphlet, brochure, or directory. Therefore, refrain from using such words for newspaper registration.

Title mustn't contain Abbreviations

If the proposed title contains abbreviations like B2B, A2Z, etc., such titles will not be verified by the RNI. Therefore, the proposed title for the online RNI registration must not contain any abbreviation. Therefore, refrain from using such abbreviations for newspaper registration.

Title mustn't contain Pictorial Representation

·         The proposed title must not contain signs and symbols, including pictographs, videograms, hallmarks, logos, monograms, abbreviations, phonograms, or emojis.

·         The proposed title must not contain non-alphanumeric characters, pictures, or symbols.

Title mustn't include Numerals and Symbols

·         The proposed title must not be prima facie absurd and meaningless.

·         Any form of numerals and mathematical symbols, like +, *, etc., should not be used in the title.

·        The proposed title must not be meaningless combinations of words such as Saptahik Weekly, Sandhya Evening, and Daily Dainik News.

Title mustn't have any negative connotations

·         The proposed title must not have religious connotations.

·         The proposed title must not be obscene and offensive to public sentiments.

·         The proposed title must not have negative connotations.

·        The proposed title must not be misused with words like crime and corruption.

Individual applicant for Title Registration

Only Organizations, Societies, Companies, or Trusts can apply for Titles using words like Employment, Rozgar, Career, Job, Naukri, etc. Such Titles cannot be verified for individual applicants. Therefore, refrain from using such words for online RNI registration for the newspaper title.

Title mustn't have the names of the Publication's Top Executives

·         The proposed title must not have the names of

Ø  present / former President of the country

Ø  present / former Prime Minister of the country

Ø  present Governor of the State

Ø  present Chief Minister of the State

Ø  present Chief Justice of India

Ø  Comptroller and Auditor General

Ø  Chief Election Commissioner

·         The proposed title must not have the names of national leaders or resemble the names of prominent national leaders, Heads of Government, or functionaries of Central and State governments. However, the names of recognized national and state political parties can be considered if the concerned organization applies for RNI registration. Therefore, refrain from using such designations for online RNI registration for the newspaper title.

·         The proposed title must not violate "The Emblem and Name (Prevention of improper use) Act, 1950.

Title mustn't include any existing Publication's title

·         The proposed title must not be

Ø  a combination of existing registered newspapers,

Ø  titles combining two or more existing titles,

Ø  a part of any existing Title must not make the new title substantially different, or

Ø  inserting a word between two words of an existing Title.

·         The proposed title must not contain the exact words of an existing Title, whether in the same or a different order, irrespective of language, place of publication, and periodicity.

·         The proposed title must not be formed by suffixing or prefixing the words relating to City, State, Periodicities, Language, prepositions/adjectives, articles (A, An, The), etc. An existing Title.

·         The proposed title must not be formed by prefixing or suffixing the periodicity or the language of the proposed publication to an existing Title.

Therefore, refrain from using such titles for online RNI registration for the newspaper title.

Title mustn't contain Competitive Examination's names

The proposed title must not be for publications with content solely aimed at competitive examinations or study material/coaching material.

Title mustn't sound similar to any Other Publication's title

If the proposed title appears phonetically similar to an existing Title, even if the spelling of the proposed title is different will not be verified by the RNI.

Also Read: How does Misleading Advertising affect the Consumers?

Author: Dushyant Sharma

Hey there, I'm Dushyant Sharma. With the extensive knowledge I've gained in past 8 years, I have been creating content on various subjects such as banking, insurance, telecom, and all the important registration and licensing processes for various companies. I'm here to help everyone with my expertise in these areas through my articles.