diff --git a/addons/website_sale/controllers/main.py b/addons/website_sale/controllers/main.py
index 91908bc5dc1..b243a5b52e2 100644
--- a/addons/website_sale/controllers/main.py
+++ b/addons/website_sale/controllers/main.py
@@ -974,7 +974,7 @@ class WebsiteSale(http.Controller):
         # prevent name change if invoices exist
         if data.get('partner_id'):
             partner = request.env['res.partner'].browse(int(data['partner_id']))
-            if partner.exists() and not partner.sudo().can_edit_vat() and 'name' in data and (data['name'] or False) != (partner.name or False):
+            if partner.exists() and partner.name and not partner.sudo().can_edit_vat() and 'name' in data and (data['name'] or False) != (partner.name or False):
                 error['name'] = 'error'
                 error_message.append(_('Changing your name is not allowed once invoices have been issued for your account. Please contact us directly for this operation.'))