AI-assisted research summary: A foreign corporation generally may not use a name that is the same as or too similar to certain existing names or marks, but it may use a fictitious name or another corporation’s name in specified situations and with required filings or approvals.
Corporate name of foreign corporation. (a) If the corporate name of a foreign corporation does not satisfy the requirements of section 414-51(b), (c), and (d), the foreign corporation to obtain or maintain a certificate of authority to transact business in this State may use a fictitious name to transact business in this State if its real name is unavailable and it delivers to the department director for filing a copy of a certificate of registration of a trade name by the foreign corporation under which the foreign corporation will transact business in this State. (b) Except as authorized by subsections (c) and (d), the corporate name (including a fictitious name) of a foreign corporation may not be the same as, or substantially identical to: (1) The name of any domestic corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, or limited liability partnership existing or registered under the laws of this State, or any foreign corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, or limited liability partnership authorized to transact business in this State; (2) A name the exclusive right to which is, at the time, reserved in this State; (3) The fictitious name of another foreign corporation authorized to transact business in this State; and (4) Any trade name, trademark, or service mark registered in this State. (c) A foreign corporation may apply to the department director for authorization to use in this State the name of another corporation (incorporated or authorized to transact business in this State) that is substantially identical based upon the department director's records to the name applied for. The department director shall authorize use of the name applied for if: (1) The other entity or holder of a reserved or registered name consents to the use in writing and one or more words are added to the other entity's name to make the name distinguishable from the name of the applicant; or (2) The applicant delivers to the department director a certified copy of a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction establishing the applicant's right to use the name applied for in this State. (d) A foreign corporation may use in this State the name (including the fictitious name) of another domestic or foreign corporation that is used in this State if the other corporation is incorporated or authorized to transact business in this State and the foreign corporation: (1) Has merged with the other corporation; (2) Has been formed by reorganization of the other corporation; or (3) Has acquired all or substantially all of the assets, including the corporate name, of the other corporation. [L 2000, c 244, pt of §1; am L 2001, c 129, §46; am L 2006, c 184, §8]