AI-assisted research summary: A foreign corporation may use a fictitious name only if its real name is unavailable and it files the required trade name registration; it generally cannot use a name that is the same as or substantially identical to listed protected names.
(a) If the corporate name of a foreign corporation does not satisfy the requirements of section 414D-61, 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 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 shall 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 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 business or nonprofit corporation authorized to transact business in this State; or (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 records of the department director 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 business or nonprofit 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. (e) If a foreign corporation authorized to transact business in this State changes its corporate name to one that does not satisfy the requirements of section 414D-61, it shall not transact business in this State under the changed name until it adopts a name satisfying the requirements of section 414D-61 and obtains an amended certificate of authority under section 414D-274. [L 2001, c 105, pt of §1; am L 2002, c 130, §63]