OpenCorporates
Comprehensive repository of company registries around the world
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Description
OpenCorporates provides a unified search of corporate and legal entity-level data across 170+ jurisdictions. It is a free repository of company registries aggregated from primary public sources, published to promote corporate transparency.
How to search for a company
Go to opencorporates.com and log in with your credentials or create an account.
In the search field select Companies and type the name of the entity you are interested in. If you're unsure of the full legal name of an entity, type a partial name.
If you know the jurisdiction in which the entity is located or registered, click on the dropdown menu 'Browse all jurisdictions' in the search bar to select the jurisdiction for a more targeted search. Skipping this step will cast a wider net and the search will return all available entities with the same or similar names in multiple jurisdictions. This is a good option if you want to track subsidiaries, parent entities or otherwise related entities to the one you are researching.
Searching by a partial name or if more than one entity has a similar or almost identical name, the results page will show all relevant entries corresponding to your search term (see above image). It will also show BOTH active and inactive entities. To exclude the inactive ones, click on the checkbox 'exclude inactive' located just below the search bar. The results page also has additional filters on the right for jurisdiction, as well as various filters for data associated with the entries, filters for company type and current status. These can be used to narrow down the search results.
The search bar in the results page also offers advanced search options - where the keyword occurs, search mode, non-profit status, include/exclude company branches.
Once you have located the entity of interest, click on it to see all the information associated with it. This might include registration / incorporation / dissolution dates, company registration number, status (active/inactive), jurisdiction, address, directors or officers and a link to the original source of information.
How to search for a Company Officer
Follow the same steps as above, but select the Officer option just below the search bar on the home page.
Once you have located the person of interest, click on their name to see all the information associated with them. The information for officers is often very limited, however the results page will provide clues and information whether that person is associated in any way with other companies, i.e. the results page information can be used to piece together a business affiliations profile of a specific individual.
Details provided by OpenCorporates depend on what the local companies register for this particular jurisdiction provides. Each jurisdiction is different, thus the level of detail might differ. Also be mindful of the fact that there might be more than one company with the same name and does not mean it is in any way connected to the one you are researching. The same rule applies for individuals. There may be more than one person with the same name in your results, but these could be name match only records.
The website has a very useful Case Studies section where you can view how companies and NGOs have used OpenCorporates data for their needs
Cost
API access requires a monthly/yearly subscription for commercial uses, starting from GBP 2,250 per year for the Essentials package, GBP 6,600 /year for the Starter package, GBP 12,000/year for the Basic package.
Level of difficulty
Requirements
Free registration needed to access the full information on entities/individuals. Without registration, users cannot see additional information associated with a particular entry.
Limitations
Permitted users: If you’re a journalist, NGO, academic conducting public benefit research, or using it for personal interest, you’re a “Permitted User.” Corporations, financial institutions, and government departments need a subscription to access the data. Source: OpenCorporates usage details.
Data accuracy and use: The data is provided “as is.” The complexity of sources means occasional errors. Use the information wisely and double-check critical details. Heavy data extraction, such as scraping, is prohibited unless you’re a search engine indexing content. Source: OpenCorporates usage rules.
According to their own website, if there is an error, you can contact their support and these errors might include outdated information about entities or individuals, duplications of data, miscategorized entities.
Ethical Considerations
As this data is publicly accessible and from government sources, users should be comfortable using this tool without ethical qualms. However, research on individuals should not be used for personal gain, doxxing, harassment or purposes and/or actions that could be considered illegal or criminal.
Guides
Following the Money: A Beginner’s Guide to Using the OpenCorporates API - Katherine de Tolly, Bellingcat
CIJ Using OpenCorporates for Investigations - The Centre for Investigative Journalism
OpenCorporates video guide on how to search for an Officer.
OpenCorporates video guide on how to search for a company.
OpenCorporates glossary of terms.
A quick tip sheet by Dataharvest – The European Investigative Journalism Conference.
Tool provider
OpenCorporates, incorporated in England and Wales (Company Registration Number 07444723).
Advertising Trackers
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