diff --git a/doors_chest.lua b/doors_chest.lua
index fa234a2..afb2c47 100644
--- a/doors_chest.lua
+++ b/doors_chest.lua
@@ -740,14 +740,14 @@ minetest.register_on_player_receive_fields(function(player, formname, fields)
 
 	elseif fields.protect_name or fields.protect_rename then
 
-		if fields.protect_name ~= string.match(fields.protect_name, "[%w%s_-]+")
-		or fields.protect_name:len() > 35 then
-			return
-		end
-
 		-- change chest infotext to display name
 		if fields.protect_name ~= "" then
 
+			if fields.protect_name ~= string.match(fields.protect_name, "[%w%s_-]+")
+			or fields.protect_name:len() > 35 then
+				return
+			end
+
 			meta:set_string("name", fields.protect_name)
 			meta:set_string("infotext", fields.protect_name)
 		else