The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is the internationally recognised authority which designates stars, planets, asteroids, comets, and other heavenly bodies according to internationally accepted rules. The IAU does not sell naming rights nor does it authorise any other company or organisation to do so. The IAU cautions consumers that products and services marketed by ISR and other companies have no formal or official validity whatsoever. In fact with a few exceptions of ancient or Arabic names, nearly all stars are designated by catalogue numbers rather than names. The IAU has called the ISR's star-naming business far from dangerous "charlatanry" and their products and marketing have been criticised for "seem[ing] official." Read more
If you're thinking of buying a unique gift or something different for a special friend or loved one this holiday season, remember that official star names are not for sale. Advertisements may lead you to believe that you can permanently name a star for someone, but the truth is, that name will never be recognized and used by people around the world. Read more
Various services have arisen that claim to put your name on a star for a fee. Unfortunately, as nice as it sounds, these names don't count: You pay your money and get a certificate, but it isn't recognised by the only organisation that actually matters, the International Astronomical Union. Read more
Ed ~ For example, the International Star Registry is basically a scam to sell star names to the general public under the pretence that they own them.