Please see specific state for details and/or
differences.
ALABAMA
| ALASKA | ARIZONA | ARKANSAS
| CALIFORNIA | COLORADO
| CONNECTICUT | DELAWARE
| FLORIDA
GEORGIA | HAWAII | IDAHO
| ILLINOIS | INDIANA | IOWA
| KANSAS | KENTUCKY | LOUISIANA
| MAINE | MARYLAND
MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN
| MINNESOTA | MISSISSIPPI
| MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEBRASKA
| NEVADA
NEW HAMPSHIRE | NEW
JERSEY | NEW MEXICO | NEW
YORK | NORTH CAROLINA | NORTH
DAKOTA | OHIO
OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA
| RHODE ISLAND | SOUTH
CAROLINA | SOUTH DAKOTA | TENNESSEE
TEXAS | UTAH | VERMONT
| VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
| WEST VIRGINIA | WISCONSIN
| WYOMING
ALABAMA
In Alabama, the corporate name shall
include the word "Corporation," or "Incorporated,"
or shall contain an abbreviation of such words.
Banking corporations shall use the words "bank,"
"banking," or "bankers."
The name cannot be deceptively similar to that of another
company. Some exceptions with particular written consent might apply.
ALASKA
The
corporate name of a company in Alaska must contain within the name the
words: “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Company,” or
“Limited,” or the abbreviation of any of those four words.
Language must not be used in the corporate name that would
indicate an identity which is deceptively similar to the name of another
corporation.
ARIZONA
The
corporate name of each corporation organized under the laws of Arizona
must contain one of the following words:
association, bank, corporation, company, incorporated, or
limited. The corporate name, in lieu of the forgoing words, may have
an abbreviation of any of those words.
The corporation's name must not be deceptive in any respect such
that the corporation would include the name "bank" and not be
organized for banking purposes. In
other words, if a corporation uses the word "bank," it must be
in the banking business and must comply with the other laws which apply
to banking in Arizona.
ARKANSAS
In
Arkansas, the corporate name must contain the word
"Corporation," "Incorporated," "Company,"
or "Limited," or the abbreviation "Corp.,"
"Inc.," "Co.," or "Ltd.," or words
or abbreviations of like import in another language.
The corporation may not contain language stating or implying that
the corporation is organized for a purpose other than those contained in
§4-27-301 and its Articles of Incorporation.
A corporation name must be distinguishable from other corporate
names authorized to do business and transact business in the state of
Arkansas or other corporate names registered under §4-27-402 or §4-27-403.
It is possible to register the name of the foreign corporation.
It is also possible to have the use of fictitious names (§4-27-404),
in addition to the corporation name in Arkansas.
The change of registered office or registered agent must be done
in compliance with §4-27-503.
CALIFORNIA
The
Secretary of State will not accept Articles where the corporation name
is deceptively similar or misleading in reference to an already existing
name or name of another entity.
The use of the terms: “bank,” “trust,” trustee,” or
related words are prohibited unless there has been an appropriate
approval by the superintendent of banks.
COLORADO
The Articles of Incorporation must contain:
a corporate name which must include the word
"Corporation," "Incorporated," "Company,"
or "Limited," or the abbreviation "Corp.,"
"Inc.," "Co.," or "Ltd." and must be
otherwise in compliance with Title
7 of the Colorado revised statutes.
CONNECTICUT
Section 33-286 deals with the restrictions
or purposes and powers of the corporation and should be reviewed to
determine the full extent of corporate use of the state of Connecticut.
Section 33-287 provides that the corporate name must include the
word "Corporation," "Company,"
"Incorporated," "Limited," or "Societa de
zoning Azinoi," "or the abbreviations "Corp.,"
"Co.," "Inc.," "Ltd." or "SpA."
DELAWARE
The
Certificate of Incorporation must contain one of the following words:
"Association," "Company,"
"Corporation," "Club," "Foundation,"
"Fund," "Incorporated," "Institute,"
"Society," "Union," "Syndicate,"
or "Limited," or it must contain one of the following
abbreviations:
"Co.," "Corp.," "Inc.,"
"Ltd.," or words or abbreviations of like import in other
languages so long as they are written in Roman character or letters.
FLORIDA
The corporate name must contain the
word "Corporation," "Company," or
"Incorporated," or the abbreviation "Corp.,"
"Inc.," or "Co." or words or abbreviations of like
import of another language that will clearly indicate that it is a
corporation instead of a natural person or partnership.
The Articles may not contain language sustaining or implying that
the corporation is organized for a purpose other than that permitted by
the Florida law or by its own Articles of Incorporation.
The corporate name may not contain language stating or implying
that the corporation is connected with a state or federal government
agency or chartered under the laws of the United States. The corporate
name must be distinguishable from the names of all other entities or
companies organized, registered, or reserved under the state of Florida
and on file with the Division of Corporations.
GEORGIA
The
name of the corporation in Georgia must contain the words
"Corporation," "Incorporated," "Company,"
or "Limited," or the abbreviation "Corp.,"
"Inc.," "Co." or "Ltd."
It may not contain anything obscene nor more than 80 characters
including space and punctuation.
HAWAII
In
conjunction with Section 415-58, the corporate name must include the
words "Corporation," "Incorporated," or
"Limited," or the abbreviations "Corp.,"
"Inc.," or "Ltd."
The corporation name may not be deceptively similar to any other
name already existing.
IDAHO
The
corporate name must contain the word "Corporation,"
"Company," "Incorporated," or "Limited,"
or the abbreviation "Corp.," "Co.,"
"Inc.," or "Ltd.
In the event the word "Company" or its abbreviation is
used, it shall not be immediately preceded by the word
"and" or an abbreviation or symbol for the word
"and." There may
not be any names used that are the same or deceptively similar to names
of already existing corporations.
ILLINOIS
The
name of each company must contain the word "Corporation,"
"Company," "Incorporated," or "Limited,"
or abbreviations of any of the foregoing.
Once corporate existence has commenced, the Board of
Directors shall have an initial organizational meeting at which time the
appropriate Bylaws regarding the regulation of the company may be
approved. The Bylaws may
contain provisions regarding the regulation and management of the
affairs of the corporation not inconsistent with law or the Articles of
Incorporation. A company in
Illinois may be organized for any lawful purpose.
The Articles of Incorporation may limit the actual purpose of the
corporation if so desired.
INDIANA
The corporation name must contain the
word "Corporation," "Incorporated,"
"Company," or "Limited," or the abbreviation
"Corp.," "Inc.," "Co.," or
"Ltd."
Each
corporation in the state of Indiana must continuously maintain a
registered office and a registered agent who must be an individual
residing in Indiana or a domestic corporation whose business is
identical with the registered office or a foreign corporation whose
business office is identical with the registered office.
IOWA
In order to incorporate in
Iowa, it is necessary to file with the Secretary of State certain Articles
of Incorporation. The
Articles of Incorporation must contain: a corporate name which must include the word
"Corporation," "Incorporated," "Company,"
or "Limited," or the abbreviation "Corp.,"
"Inc.," "Co.," or "Ltd." and must be
otherwise in compliance with Section 490.401 of the Code of Iowa.
A corporate name may not be deceptively similar to an entity already in
existence and operating in the state of Iowa.
KANSAS
Contained
within the Articles of Incorporation and as provided in Section 17.6002,
the name (except for banks) should include the word
"Association," "Church," "College,"
"Company," "Corporation," "Club,"
"Foundation," "Fund," "Incorporated,"
"Institute," "Society," "Union,"
"Syndicate," or "Limited," or the abbreviation
"Co.," "Corp.," "Inc." or "Ltd."
KENTUCKY
A
corporate name in Kentucky must contain the word
"Corporation," "Incorporated," "Company,"
or "Limited," or the abbreviations "Corp.,"
"Inc.," "Co.," or "Ltd."
The name may not imply activity other than Section 271B.3-010 or
other than permitted under the Articles of Incorporation.
The corporate name must be distinguishable from other names
recorded by the Secretary of State.
LOUISIANA
A
corporation in the state of Louisiana, except in the cases of railroad,
telegraph and telephone corporations, shall contain the word
"Corporation," "Incorporated," or "Limited,"
or the abbreviation "Corp.," "Inc.," or
"Ltd." The new corporation may contain the word
"company" and its abbreviation "Co.," if it is not
immediately preceded by the word "and" or the symbol
"&." The
Articles must be in English language, signed by each incorporator or his
agent and acknowledged by the one who signed.
MAINE
Under
the Maine Business Corporation Act, the corporate name must not contain
any word or phrase which indicates that the corporate purpose is
different that the purposes allowed under the Act.
The name may not be deceptively similar to any already existing
domestic or foreign corporation, any reserved name, any trademark or
other registered mark, unless authorized.
The corporate name must also be different from any domestic or
foreign limited partnership.
MARYLAND
The
corporate name should include either one of the following or an
abbreviation of the following: "Company"
or its abbreviation, if not preceded by the word "and"
or a symbol "&," and, of course, the word
"Corporation" or its abbreviation "Corp.,"
"Incorporated" or its abbreviation "Inc.," and
"Limited" or its abbreviation "Ltd."
MASSACHUSETTS
The
corporate name must contain the word "Corporation,"
"Company," "Incorporated," or "Limited,"
or the abbreviation "Corp.," "Co.,"
"Inc.," or "Ltd."
In the event the word "company" or its abbreviation is
used, it shall not be immediately preceded by the word
"and" and/or abbreviation or symbol for the word
"and." There may not be any names used which are the same or
deceptively similar to those of corporations already existing.
MICHIGAN
In
order to incorporate in Michigan, it is necessary to file the Articles
with the Administrator, along with the corporate name which must include
the word: "Corporation," "Incorporated,"
"Company," or "Limited," or the abbreviations
"Corp.," "Inc.," "Co." or "Ltd."
and must be otherwise in compliance with Section 21.200(211) of the
Michigan Business Corporation Act.
MINNESOTA
Contained within the corporate name
must be language, letters or characters in the English language.
Also, the corporate name must contain the word
"Corporation," "Incorporated," "Limited,"
or "Company," or the abbreviations "Corp.,"
"Inc.," or "Ltd."
If "Co." is used, it may not be preceded by the word
"and" or the symbol "&."
A corporation may not imply a purpose different than that for
which it is incorporated, and it may not use a name that is deceptively
similar to a name that is already in existence.
MISSISSIPPI
In Mississippi, the corporate name
must contain the word "Corporation," the abbreviation
"Corp.," the word "Incorporated," the abbreviation
"Inc.," the word "Company," the abbreviation
"Co.," the word "Limited," or the abbreviation
"Ltd."
MISSOURI
The name of a company in Missouri
must include the word "Corporation," "Company,"
"Incorporated," or "Limited," or an abbreviation of
those identifying words. No
word implying that the company is a government agency shall be
permitted, and no word or name that is deceptively similar to another
company or entity existing in the state of Missouri may be used.
MONTANA
The
Articles of Incorporation must contain a corporate name which must
include the word "Corporation," "Incorporated,"
"Company," or "Limited," or the abbreviation
"Corp.," "Inc.," "Co.," or
"Ltd." and must be otherwise in compliance with Section
35-1-301 of the Code of Montana. The
corporate name may not have any word or phrase that implies any purpose
other than the one for which the company is organized.
The corporate name may not be deceptively similar to another name
already in existence.
NEBRASKA
The
corporate name for a company in Nebraska shall contain the word
"Corporation," "Company," "Incorporated,"
or "Limited," or an abbreviation of those four words.
The corporation, under Section 21-2007, may not imply a different
purpose than that for which it is incorporated, and the name may not be
deceptively similar to another corporation already in existence in the
state.
NEVADA
The
company name may not appear to be that of a natural person or a
continuing given name or initials except, however, the additional word
or words including "Incorporated," "Limited,"
"Company," or "Corporation."
The abbreviations
"Ltd.," "Inc.," "Co.," or
"Corp." may be used, or other words that identify the company
as not being a natural person.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
The corporate name in New Hampshire
shall include the word "Corporation,"
"Incorporated," or "Limited," or shall contain an
abbreviation of one of these words.
The corporate name shall not contain any word or phrase which
indicates or implies that it is organized for any purpose other than the
one stated in the Articles of Incorporation.
In addition, it shall not be the same or deceptively similar to
any name of a domestic corporation existing under the laws of the state
of New Hampshire or any foreign corporation authorized to transact
business in New Hampshire.
NEW JERSEY
A
corporation may be organized in New Jersey for any lawful purpose except
any business which is otherwise regulated by another statute of the
state, unless such statute permits organization under Title 14A.
The corporate name shall not contain any word or phrases or
abbreviations which indicate or imply that the corporation is organized
for any purpose other than one that is permitted by its Certificate of
Incorporation. The name may
not be confusingly similar to another corporate name, and it may not
contain a word or phrase or abbreviation which is prohibited or
restricted by law unless in compliance with such restrictions.
NEW MEXICO
A corporation in New Mexico must
include the word "Corporation," "Incorporated,"
"Company," "Association," "Club,"
"Society," "Union," "Syndicate," or the
abbreviation "Co.," or "Inc." The corporate
existence shall begin after the filing date with the Corporate
Commission.
NEW YORK
In New York, a corporation
must include the name "Corporation," "Incorporated,"
or "Limited," or an abbreviation of one of those three
words. The corporation
shall not contain any of the following phrases or abbreviations of the
following phrases:
board of trade |
chamber of commerce |
community renewal |
state police |
state trooper |
tenant relocation |
urban development |
urban relocation |
Additionally,
the corporation name must not contain any of the following words or
abbreviations or derivations thereof:
acceptance |
annuity |
assurance |
bank |
benefit |
bond |
casualty |
doctor |
endowment |
fidelity |
finance |
guaranty |
indemnity |
insurance |
investment |
lawyer |
loan |
mortgage |
savings |
surety |
title |
trust |
underwriter |
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NORTH CAROLINA
A corporate name in North Carolina
must contain the word "Corporation," "Incorporated,"
"Company," or "Limited," or the abbreviations
"Corp.," "Inc.," "Co.," or
"Ltd." The
corporate name may not imply any purpose other than that for which the
corporation is organized, and the name must be distinguishable from any
other corporations pursuant to Section 55-4-01 of the North Carolina
Business Corporation Act.
NORTH DAKOTA
The corporate name must be in the
English language and must contain the word "Corporation,"
"Incorporated," or "Limited," or the abbreviation
"Corp.," "Inc.," or "Ltd." Or, the name
may contain the
word "Company" or abbreviation "Co.," so long as
"Company" or "Co." is not preceded by the word
"and" or the symbol "&."
The corporate name may not be deceptively similar to another name
that is used for another corporation as registered under the laws of the
state of North Dakota.
OHIO
The name of the corporation must
include the word "Company" or its abbreviation
"Co.,"
the word "Corporation" or its abbreviation
"Corp.,"
or the word "Incorporated" or its abbreviation
"Inc."
The company name may not imply that a government agency is
involved, and it must not be indistinguishably similar in name to a
company that is already in existence.
OKLAHOMA
A corporation
name in the Certificate of Incorporation shall contain one or more of
the following words: Association, Company, Corporation, Club,
Foundation, Fund, Incorporated, Institute, Society, Union, Syndicate or
Limited. The
company may include the following abbreviations:
"Co.," "Corp.," "Inc.," or
"Ltd."
The
name of the corporation may also contain words of like import.
A corporation in Oklahoma must be distinguishable from names of
other corporations, foreign corporations, names of partnerships, of
limited partnerships, of trade names, fictitious names filed with the
Secretary of State, and any corporate or limited partnership names
reserved with the Secretary of State.
OREGON
Section
60.094 regulates the type of name which may be used for corporations in
the state of Oregon. A
corporate name must include one of the following:
“Corporation," “Incorporated,” “Company,”
or “Limited,” or an abbreviation of any of the foregoing.
A corporate name shall not contain the word “cooperative.”
The corporation name must also be written in the alphabet used to
write the English language. It
must not be deceptively similar to another corporate name, reserve name,
business, trust name, partnership name, etc.
PENNSYLVANIA
A proper corporate name for a business
corporation in the state of Pennsylvania shall include one of the
following corporate designators:
“Corporation” or “Corp.,” “Company” or “Co.,”
“Incorporated” or “Inc.,” “Limited” or “Ltd.,”
“Association,” “Fund,” or “Syndicate,” and words or
abbreviations of like import in languages other than English.
The word “Company” or “Co.” may be immediately preceded
by “and” or “&,” whether or not they are immediately
followed by one of the words “Incorporated,”
“Inc.,” “Limited” or “Ltd.”
For example: John Doe & Co.
The corporate name shall also comply with the applicable
requirements of Chapter 17 (relating to names).
RHODE ISLAND
The corporate name in Rhode Island
should include the word "Corporation," "Company,"
"Incorporated," or "Limited."
The abbreviations:
"Corp.," "Co.," "Inc." or
"Ltd." may also be used.
SOUTH CAROLINA
The corporate name of a company in
South Carolina must contain within the corporate name the words
“Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Company,” or “Limited,”
or the abbreviation “Corp.,” “Inc.,” “Co.,” or “Ltd.”
A name of a company may not contain language stating or implying
that the corporation is organized for a purpose other than that
permitted by Section 33-3-101.
A company name may not be deceptively similar to the name of a
corporation already doing business in the state. Also, the name may not
be similar to a corporate name which is reserved for the name of a
foreign corporation or the name of a not-for-profit corporation.
SOUTH DAKOTA
A
corporate name under the state of South Dakota is governed by Section
47-2-36. Any corporate name, except a non-profit corporation, must
include the word “Corporation,” “Incorporated,”
“Company,” or “Limited,” or an abbreviation of any of those four
words. A company name
may not be deceptively similar to another name already in use by a
domestic corporation, a corporation that has registered a name, or by a
foreign corporation. The
corporate name must be translated into English or must be in English.
TENNESSEE
A corporate name must include the
word "Corporation," "Incorporated,"
"Company, " or "Limited," or the abbreviations
"Corp.," "Inc.," "Co.," or
"Ltd." Certain
language may not be contained in the corporate name.
See particularly Section 48-14-101.
TEXAS
The corporation name must include the
word: "Corporation," "Company," or
"Incorporated," or one of the following abbreviations:
"Corp.,"
"Co." or "Inc."
UTAH
In Utah, a corporation's name must
include the word "Corporation," "Company," or
"Incorporated," or the abbreviation "Corp.,"
"Co." or "Inc.," or words or abbreviations of like
import in another language.
Only the names of corporations may contain the word
"Corporation" or "Incorporated" or the abbreviation
"Corp." or "Inc."
A corporate name may not contain any language stating or implying
that the corporation is organized for a purpose other than that
permitted by Subsection(4) and by its Articles of Incorporation.
The corporation name must be distinguishable from other
corporations or other corporate names reserved, including fictitious
names adopted by foreign corporations or any corporations not for
profit.
VERMONT
A corporation in the state of Vermont
must contain one of the following words:
“Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Company,” or
“Limited.”
If the name of the corporation does not include one of the
foregoing words, it may include one of the following abbreviations:
“Corp.,” “Inc.,” “Co.,” or “Ltd.”
A corporation’s name may not contain language stating or
implying that the corporation is organized for a purpose other than that
permitted by Section 301 of Title 11A and the Articles of Incorporation.
The corporation may not have a similar name or a name that is
deceptively similar to or confused with or mistaken for the name of
companies or reserved names or fictitious names or nonprofit names or
the names of foreign corporations which have registered in the state of
Vermont. It
is possible to reserve a name for a corporation under Section 4.02 in
the state. It
is recommended that a foreign corporation doing business in the state of
Vermont register as such.
A registered name for a foreign corporation is covered by Section
4.03.
VIRGINIA
A corporation may not have a name that
is deceptively similar to a name of another company, and it must be
otherwise in compliance with the laws of the commonwealth of Virginia,
particularly Chapter 9 of Title 13.
WASHINGTON
A corporate name in the state of
Washington must include one of the following words “Corporation,”
“Incorporated,” “Company,” or “Limited.”
In lieu of any of the foregoing names, the following
abbreviations may be used:
“Corp.,” “Inc.,” “Co.” or “Ltd.”
The name of a company may not be deceptively similar to another
corporation already organized under the laws of the state of Washington.
It is possible to register a name, in the state of Washington,
under Section 23B.04.030 or to reserve a name under Section 23B.04.020.
WEST VIRGINIA
The name of a corporation in West
Virginia shall contain the word “Corporation,” “Company,”
“Incorporated,” or “Limited,” or an abbreviation of such words.
The name of the corporation shall not contain any word or phrase
which indicates or implies that it is organized for any purpose other
than one or more of the purposes contained in its Articles of
Incorporation.
The name may not be the same or deceptively similar to the name
of any other corporation and shall be translated into letters of the
English alphabet, if not in the English language.
WISCONSIN
The corporate
name for a company in Wisconsin must include the word “Corporation,”
“Incorporated,” “Company,” or “Limited.”
The corporate name, as an alternative, may include the
abbreviation: “Corp.,”
“Inc.,” “Co.” or “Ltd.”
The corporate name must not include language that indicates it is
organized for any purpose other than that stated in its Bylaws and
Articles and as permitted by law.
The name may not be deceptively similar to another name being
used by another corporation, partnership or other entity in Wisconsin
(See Section 180.0401).
WYOMING
In Wyoming, a
corporate name is intended to include any name so long as it does not
imply a purpose other than that permitted by W.S. 17-16-301.
The name may not be deceptively similar to that of any other
corporation, trade name, trademark, partnership or limited partnership,
etc.
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