356.071. Regulating name of corporation.

407 words·~2 min read·/mo/chapter-356/356-071

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

356.071. Regulating name of corporation. — The name of a professional corporation or of a foreign professional corporation authorized to transact business in this state shall:

(1)Contain the words "Professional Corporation" or the abbreviation "P.C." and the corporation shall identify itself with such designation in the course of rendering any professional service;

(2)Not contain any word or phrase that indicates or implies that it is organized for any purpose other than the purposes contained in its articles of incorporation;

(3)Be distinguishable from (as the preceding standards may be defined at the time of incorporation or qualification in or under the general and business corporation law of Missouri, chapter 351 ) the name of any domestic corporation existing under the laws of this state or any foreign corporation authorized to transact business in this state, or a name the exclusive right to which is, at such time, reserved in the manner provided in the general and business corporation law of Missouri, chapter 351 , the not-for-profit corporation law, chapter 355 , the uniform limited partnership law, chapter 359 , the uniform partnership law relating to registered limited liability partnerships and limited liability limited partnerships, chapter 358 , or the limited liability company act, chapter 347 , or the name of an entity that has in effect a registration of its corporate name under either chapter 347 , 351 , 355 , 358 , or 359 , or any other business entity organized, reserved, or registered under the laws of this state; except that, this provision shall not apply if:

(a)Such similarity results from the use in the corporate name of the professional corporation or foreign professional corporation personal names of its shareholders or former shareholders; or

(b)The applicant files with the secretary of state either of the following:

a. If the name is the same, a change whereby a word is added to make such name distinguishable from the name of such other corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company; or

b. A certified copy of a final decree of a court of competent jurisdiction establishing the prior right of the applicant to the use of such name in this state; and

(4)Otherwise conform to any rule promulgated by any licensing authority having jurisdiction over a professional service described in the articles of incorporation of such corporation.

--------

(L. 1986 H.B. 1230, A.L. 1993 S.B. 66 & 20, A.L. 2004 H.B. 1664)