A company seal is a device to emboss the company’s name – and usually the company registration number – onto documents. You might also see the seal referred to as a corporate seal or common seal. Historically, it was a requirement to seal contracts, deeds and share certificates in this way to make them valid.
The use of seals goes back thousands of years. Their use by companies was especially common in countries with a legal system based on that of the United Kingdom, although in recent years they have become less commonly used.
Affixing the company seal to documents represented a clear indication of authorisation and action on behalf of the company. More specifically, a sealed document embodied an act and deed of the company. This had stronger legal force than a merely signed document.
Older seals could be cumbersome and messy, with the imprint pressed into melted wax. Modern company seals are quick and easy to use, instead leaving an indentation on the document. The embossed imprint is produced by the two halves of the seal being pressed together upon a piece of paper or card.
Purchase company sealWhile it’s no longer mandatory for a UK company to have one, a company seal can give your documents flair and sophistication. A sealed document typically has legal force both in the UK and...
What’s the UK position now?
The legal position in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is defined in section 44 of the Companies Act 2006. This states that, when executing documents, a company seal may be used, but is not specifically required:
(1) Under the law of England and Wales or Northern Ireland a document is executed by a company-
(a) by the affixing of its common seal, or
(b) by signature in accordance with the following provisions.
(2) A document is validly executed by a company if it is signed on behalf of the company-
(a) by two authorised signatories, or
(b) by a director of the company in the presence of a witness who attests the signature.
(3) The following are “authorised signatories” for the purposes of subsection (2)-
(a) every director of the company, and
(b) in the case of a private company with a secretary or a public company, the secretary (or any joint secretary) of the company.
(4) A document signed in accordance with subsection (2) and expressed, in whatever words, to be executed by the company has the same effect as if executed under the common seal of the company.
These legal provisions mean a seal is no longer required to execute documents. Documents can instead be signed by two officers of the company or by a single director and an independent witness. However, a company seal remains a legitimate means to authenticate documents.
Where a seal is used, the Companies Act requires that the company’s name is engraved in legible characters upon it. Under section 45 of the Act, failure to do so constitutes an offence by the company and its officers.
Why might a company still use a company seal?
While it’s not a legal requirement, for various reasons a large number if UK companies choose still to use a company seal:
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1 Doing business internationally
Company seals are still legally required in many countries. If a UK company undertakes business abroad or with foreign customers or suppliers, they may be required – or find it prudent – to use a company seal on formal documents. If not, they risk a legal document not being recognised as valid by overseas lawyers or courts. Even where a document is ultimately recognised as valid without a company seal, the company may waste time and money in getting to that position which could have been saved by applying a seal in the first instance.
2 Convenience
A company seal may be more convenient, since it replaces the need for two authorised signatories to sign each document. With a company seal, a single company representative can authenticate documents quickly. This may save the time of busy signatories.
This may be particularly useful where a company’s authorised signatories are in different locations or work remotely. Otherwise, a document would have to be sent from place to place or wait for them to be available.
3 Security and control
A company may seal documents to help protect against forgery, which signatures can be susceptible to. The use of a company’s seal will be closely monitored. It can therefore also provide a measure of internal control for the business.
4 Ensuring proper execution of documents
Some companies prefer the formality and consistency offered by use of a company seal. It can help prevent any questions of irregularity or improper execution of a document. For example, it will prevent an invalid combination of signatories.
This may be particularly useful on particularly formal documents like deeds.
5 Where use is required or advised
The company’s articles of association may enforce use of a seal. This provision will typically have been included for one or more of the other reasons above.
In some instances, a legal professional may also request that a document bears a company seal.
6 Image
Use of a company seal helps to project a professional, formal image. It may convey a sense of tradition, elegance and flair.
How a business can use a company seal
Where a company decides to operate a company seal to authenticate documents, it’s prudent to pass a resolution documenting:
- The decision to purchase and utilise a company seal; and
- Who is authorised by the company to execute documents via the seal
The seal can only be used by the person who is authorised to do so. It’s best to store it securely – for example in a locked cabinet – to prevent misuse. The company should also maintain an official record of use of the seal. This register of sealings will usually be kept with the company’s statutory registers. This will be either at the registered office address or a single alternative inspection location.
Maintaining a written record in this way helps to control the company seal’s use. It protects the company from its unauthorised usage and supports the validity of legitimate sealings.
Even where a business uses a company seal, there may be circumstances or documents for which it’s not required.
Purchase company sealWhile it’s no longer mandatory for a UK company to have one, a company seal can give your documents flair and sophistication. A sealed document typically has legal force both in the UK and...
A previous version of this article was published on 20 January 2017.