10-3401. Corporate name

A. A corporate name shall not contain language that states or implies that the corporation is organized for a purpose other than the purpose permitted by section 10-3301 and in its articles of incorporation.

B. Except as authorized by subsection C of this section, a corporate name must be distinguishable from all of the following:

1. The corporate name of a corporation incorporated in this state or a foreign corporation authorized to conduct affairs in this state.

2. A corporate name reserved under section 10-402 or 10-3402 or registered under section 10-403 or 10-3403.

3. A fictitious name of a foreign corporation under section 10-1506 or 10-11506.

4. The corporate name of a business corporation incorporated under this title or a foreign business corporation authorized to transact business in this state.

5. The partnership name of a limited partnership organized and registered under the laws of this state or of a foreign limited partnership authorized to transact business in this state.

6. The name of a limited liability company organized under title 29, chapter 4 or a foreign limited liability company authorized to transact business in this state.

7. A trade name registered pursuant to title 44, chapter 10, article 3.1.

8. The name of a registered limited liability partnership registered under title 29, chapter 5, article 10 or a foreign registered limited liability partnership authorized to transact business in this state.

C. A corporation may apply to the commission for authorization to use a name that is not distinguishable from one or more of the names described in subsection B of this section. The commission shall authorize use of the name applied for if either:

1. The other corporation consents to the use in writing and submits an undertaking in a form satisfactory to the commission to change its name to a name that is distinguishable from the name of the applying corporation.

2. The applicant delivers to the commission 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 corporation may use the name, including a 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 or conduct affairs in this state and the proposed user corporation either has:

1. Merged with the other corporation.

2. Been formed by reorganization of the other corporation.

3. Acquired all or substantially all of the assets, including the corporate name, of the other corporation.

E. Chapters 24 through 42 of this title do not control the use of fictitious names.