{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/13.1-829.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/13.1-829.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/13.1-829.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/13.1-829.html"}],"law_id":83167,"edition_id":1,"section_id":83167,"structure_id":13005,"section_number":"13.1-829","catch_line":"Corporate name","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 13.1-207; 1956, c. 428; 1975, c. 500; 1985, c. 522; 1986, c. 232; 2003, c. 592; 2005, c. 379; 2007, c. 925; 2009, c. 216; 2012, c. 63; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 487.","full_text":"A\n\nA corporate name shall not contain:1\n\nAny word or phrase that indicates or implies that it is organized for the purpose of conducting any business other than a business that it is authorized to conduct;2\n\nThe word &#8220;redevelopment&#8221; unless the corporation is organized as an urban redevelopment corporation pursuant to Chapter 190 of the Acts of Assembly of 1946, as amended;3\n\nAny word, abbreviation, or combination of characters that states or implies the corporation is a limited liability company, a limited partnership, a registered limited liability partnership, or a protected series of a series limited liability company; or4\n\nAny word or phrase that is prohibited by law for such corporation.B\n\nExcept as authorized by subsection C, a corporate name shall be distinguishable upon the records of the Commission from:1\n\nThe name of any corporation, whether issuing shares or not issuing shares, existing under the laws of the Commonwealth or authorized to transact business in the Commonwealth;2\n\nA corporate name reserved or registered under &#xA7; 13.1-631, 13.1-632, 13.1-830 or 13.1-831;3\n\nThe designated name adopted by a foreign corporation, whether issuing shares or not issuing shares, because its real name is unavailable for use in the Commonwealth;4\n\nThe name of a domestic limited liability company or a foreign limited liability company registered to transact business in the Commonwealth;5\n\nA limited liability company name reserved under &#xA7; 13.1-1013;6\n\nThe designated name adopted by a foreign limited liability company because its real name is unavailable for use in the Commonwealth;7\n\nThe name of a domestic business trust or a foreign business trust registered to transact business in the Commonwealth;8\n\nA business trust name reserved under &#xA7; 13.1-1215;9\n\nThe designated name adopted by a foreign business trust because its real name is unavailable for use in the Commonwealth;10\n\nThe name of a domestic limited partnership or a foreign limited partnership registered to transact business in the Commonwealth;11\n\nA limited partnership name reserved under &#xA7; 50-73.3; and12\n\nThe designated name adopted by a foreign limited partnership because its real name is unavailable for use in the Commonwealth.C\n\nA domestic corporation may apply to the Commission for authorization to use a name that is not distinguishable upon the Commission&#8217;s records from one or more of the names described in subsection B. The Commission shall authorize use of the name applied for if the other entity consents to the use in writing and submits an undertaking in form satisfactory to the Commission to change its name to a name that is distinguishable upon the records of the Commission from the name of the applying corporation.D\n\nThe use of assumed names or fictitious names, as provided for in Chapter 5 (&#xA7; 59.1-69 et seq.) of Title 59.1, is not affected by this chapter.E\n\nThe Commission, in determining whether a corporate name is distinguishable upon its records from the name of any of the business entities listed in subsection B, shall not consider any word, phrase, abbreviation, or designation required or permitted under &#xA7; 13.1-544.1, subsection A of &#xA7; 13.1-630, subsection A of &#xA7; 13.1-1012, &#xA7; 13.1-1104, subsection A of &#xA7; 50-73.2, and subdivision A 2 of &#xA7; 50-73.78 to be contained in the name of a business entity formed or organized under the laws of the Commonwealth or authorized or registered to transact business in the Commonwealth.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":298000,"text":"A corporate name shall not contain:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":298001,"text":"Any word or phrase that indicates or implies that it is organized for the purpose of conducting any business other than a business that it is authorized to conduct;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":298002,"text":"The word &#8220;redevelopment&#8221; unless the corporation is organized as an urban redevelopment corporation pursuant to Chapter 190 of the Acts of Assembly of 1946, as amended;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":298003,"text":"Any word, abbreviation, or combination of characters that states or implies the corporation is a limited liability company, a limited partnership, a registered limited liability partnership, or a protected series of a series limited liability company; or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":298004,"text":"Any word or phrase that is prohibited by law for such corporation.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"B"},"5":{"id":298005,"text":"Except as authorized by subsection C, a corporate name shall be distinguishable upon the records of the Commission from:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"B1"},"6":{"id":298006,"text":"The name of any corporation, whether issuing shares or not issuing shares, existing under the laws of the Commonwealth or authorized to transact business in the Commonwealth;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"7":{"id":298007,"text":"A corporate name reserved or registered under &#xA7; 13.1-631, 13.1-632, 13.1-830 or 13.1-831;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"8":{"id":298008,"text":"The designated name adopted by a foreign corporation, whether issuing shares or not issuing shares, because its real name is unavailable for use in the Commonwealth;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"9":{"id":298009,"text":"The name of a domestic limited liability company or a foreign limited liability company registered to transact business in the Commonwealth;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"10":{"id":298010,"text":"A limited liability company name reserved under &#xA7; 13.1-1013;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"B6"},"11":{"id":298011,"text":"The designated name adopted by a foreign limited liability company because its real name is unavailable for use in the Commonwealth;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"B6","prefix_anchor":"B6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B5","next_prefix":"B7"},"12":{"id":298012,"text":"The name of a domestic business trust or a foreign business trust registered to transact business in the Commonwealth;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"B7","prefix_anchor":"B7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B6","next_prefix":"B8"},"13":{"id":298013,"text":"A business trust name reserved under &#xA7; 13.1-1215;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"B8","prefix_anchor":"B8","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B7","next_prefix":"B9"},"14":{"id":298014,"text":"The designated name adopted by a foreign business trust because its real name is unavailable for use in the Commonwealth;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"B9","prefix_anchor":"B9","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B8","next_prefix":"B10"},"15":{"id":298015,"text":"The name of a domestic limited partnership or a foreign limited partnership registered to transact business in the Commonwealth;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"B10","prefix_anchor":"B10","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B9","next_prefix":"B11"},"16":{"id":298016,"text":"A limited partnership name reserved under &#xA7; 50-73.3; and","type":"section","prefixes":["B","11"],"prefix":"11","entire_prefix":"B11","prefix_anchor":"B11","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B10","next_prefix":"B12"},"17":{"id":298017,"text":"The designated name adopted by a foreign limited partnership because its real name is unavailable for use in the Commonwealth.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","12"],"prefix":"12","entire_prefix":"B12","prefix_anchor":"B12","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B11","next_prefix":"C"},"18":{"id":298018,"text":"A domestic corporation may apply to the Commission for authorization to use a name that is not distinguishable upon the Commission&#8217;s records from one or more of the names described in subsection B. The Commission shall authorize use of the name applied for if the other entity consents to the use in writing and submits an undertaking in form satisfactory to the Commission to change its name to a name that is distinguishable upon the records of the Commission from the name of the applying corporation.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B12","next_prefix":"D"},"19":{"id":298019,"text":"The use of assumed names or fictitious names, as provided for in Chapter 5 (&#xA7; 59.1-69 et seq.) of Title 59.1, is not affected by this chapter.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"20":{"id":298020,"text":"The Commission, in determining whether a corporate name is distinguishable upon its records from the name of any of the business entities listed in subsection B, shall not consider any word, phrase, abbreviation, or designation required or permitted under &#xA7; 13.1-544.1, subsection A of &#xA7; 13.1-630, subsection A of &#xA7; 13.1-1012, &#xA7; 13.1-1104, subsection A of &#xA7; 50-73.2, and subdivision A 2 of &#xA7; 50-73.78 to be contained in the name of a business entity formed or organized under the laws of the Commonwealth or authorized or registered to transact business in the Commonwealth.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13005,"edition_id":1,"name":"Name","identifier":"5","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13004,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:07","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:07","permalink":{"id":148009,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13005,"identifier":"5","token":"13.1\/10\/5","url":"\/13.1\/10\/5\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13004,"edition_id":1,"name":"Virginia Nonstock Corporation Act","identifier":"10","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12744,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:07","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:07","permalink":{"id":147501,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13004,"identifier":"10","token":"13.1\/10","url":"\/13.1\/10\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12744,"edition_id":1,"name":"Corporations","identifier":"13.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":147493,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12744,"identifier":"13.1","token":"13.1","url":"\/13.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":83167,"structure_id":13005,"section_number":"13.1-829","catch_line":"Corporate name","url":"\/13.1-829\/","token":"13.1\/10\/5\/13.1-829","metadata":false},{"id":54078,"structure_id":13005,"section_number":"13.1-830","catch_line":"Reserved name","url":"\/13.1-830\/","token":"13.1\/10\/5\/13.1-830","metadata":false},{"id":86156,"structure_id":13005,"section_number":"13.1-831","catch_line":"Registered name","url":"\/13.1-831\/","token":"13.1\/10\/5\/13.1-831","metadata":false},{"id":70922,"structure_id":13005,"section_number":"13.1-832","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/13.1-832\/","token":"13.1\/10\/5\/13.1-832","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":54078,"structure_id":13005,"section_number":"13.1-830","catch_line":"Reserved name","url":"\/13.1-830\/","token":"13.1\/10\/5\/13.1-830","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/13.1-829\/","history_text":"<p>The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 9 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1956, chapter 428; in 1975, chapter 500; in 1985, chapter 522; in 1986, chapter 232; in 2003, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?031+ful+CHAP0592\">592<\/a>; in 2005, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?051+ful+CHAP0379\">379<\/a>; in 2007, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?071+ful+CHAP0925\">925<\/a>; in 2009, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?091+ful+CHAP0216\">216<\/a>; in 2012, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?121+ful+CHAP0063\">63<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":60639,"section_number":"13.1-1013","catch_line":"Reserved name","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-1013\/"},{"id":87380,"section_number":"13.1-1215","catch_line":"Reserved name","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-1215\/"},{"id":64637,"section_number":"13.1-631","catch_line":"Reserved name","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-631\/"},{"id":57394,"section_number":"13.1-806","catch_line":"Effective time and date of document","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-806\/"},{"id":54078,"section_number":"13.1-830","catch_line":"Reserved name","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-830\/"},{"id":58600,"section_number":"13.1-898.4","catch_line":"Articles of domestication","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-898.4\/"},{"id":56670,"section_number":"13.1-916","catch_line":"Reinstatement of a corporation that has ceased to exist","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-916\/"},{"id":82842,"section_number":"13.1-924","catch_line":"Corporate name of foreign corporation","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-924\/"},{"id":86500,"section_number":"50-73.3","catch_line":"Reserved name","order_by":null,"url":"\/50-73.3\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":82092,"section_number":"13.1-1012","catch_line":"Name","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-1012\/"},{"id":60639,"section_number":"13.1-1013","catch_line":"Reserved name","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-1013\/"},{"id":70376,"section_number":"13.1-1104","catch_line":"Use of initials \"P.L.C.,\" \"PLC,\" \"P.L.L.C.\" or \"PLLC\" in company name","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-1104\/"},{"id":87380,"section_number":"13.1-1215","catch_line":"Reserved name","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-1215\/"},{"id":58412,"section_number":"13.1-544.1","catch_line":"Use of initials \"P.C.\" or \"PC\" in corporate name","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-544.1\/"},{"id":71750,"section_number":"13.1-630","catch_line":"Corporate name","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-630\/"},{"id":64637,"section_number":"13.1-631","catch_line":"Reserved name","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-631\/"},{"id":66748,"section_number":"13.1-632","catch_line":"Registered name","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-632\/"},{"id":54078,"section_number":"13.1-830","catch_line":"Reserved name","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-830\/"},{"id":86156,"section_number":"13.1-831","catch_line":"Registered name","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-831\/"},{"id":71893,"section_number":"50-73.2","catch_line":"Name","order_by":null,"url":"\/50-73.2\/"},{"id":86500,"section_number":"50-73.3","catch_line":"Reserved name","order_by":null,"url":"\/50-73.3\/"},{"id":82439,"section_number":"50-73.78","catch_line":"Limited partnership as registered limited liability partnership","order_by":null,"url":"\/50-73.78\/"},{"id":63628,"section_number":"59.1-69","catch_line":"Certificate required of person transacting business under assumed name","order_by":null,"url":"\/59.1-69\/"}],"permalink":{"id":148011,"object_type":"law","relational_id":83167,"identifier":"13.1-829","token":"13.1\/10\/5\/13.1-829","url":"\/13.1-829\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/13.1-829\/","token":"13.1\/10\/5\/13.1-829","dublin_core":{"Title":"Corporate name","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 13.1-829","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> A corporate name shall not contain: <a id=\"paragraph-298000\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/13.1-829\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A1\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">1.<\/span> Any word or phrase that indicates or implies that it is organized for the purpose of conducting any business other than a business that it is authorized to conduct; <a id=\"paragraph-298001\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/13.1-829\/#A1\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A2\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">2.<\/span> The word &#8220;redevelopment&#8221; unless the <span class=\"dictionary\">corporation<\/span> is organized as an urban redevelopment <span class=\"dictionary\">corporation<\/span> pursuant to Chapter 190 of the Acts of Assembly of 1946, as amended; <a id=\"paragraph-298002\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/13.1-829\/#A2\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A3\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">3.<\/span> Any word, abbreviation, or combination of characters that <span class=\"dictionary\">states<\/span> or implies the <span class=\"dictionary\">corporation<\/span> is a limited liability company, a limited partnership, a <span class=\"dictionary\">registered limited liability partnership<\/span>, or a <span class=\"dictionary\">protected series<\/span> of a series limited liability company; or <a id=\"paragraph-298003\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/13.1-829\/#A3\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A4\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">4.<\/span> Any word or phrase that is prohibited by <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span> for such <span class=\"dictionary\">corporation<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-298004\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/13.1-829\/#A4\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> Except as authorized by subsection C, a corporate name shall be distinguishable upon the records of the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commission<\/span> from: <a id=\"paragraph-298005\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/13.1-829\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B1\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">1.<\/span> The name of any <span class=\"dictionary\">corporation<\/span>, whether issuing <span class=\"dictionary\">shares<\/span> or not issuing <span class=\"dictionary\">shares<\/span>, existing under the <span class=\"dictionary\">laws<\/span> of the Commonwealth or authorized to <span class=\"dictionary\">transact business<\/span> in the Commonwealth; <a id=\"paragraph-298006\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/13.1-829\/#B1\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B2\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">2.<\/span> A corporate name reserved or registered under &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Reserved name\" href=\"\/13.1-631\/\">13.1-631<\/a>, <a class=\"law\" title=\"Registered name\" href=\"\/13.1-632\/\">13.1-632<\/a>, <a class=\"law\" title=\"Reserved name\" href=\"\/13.1-830\/\">13.1-830<\/a> or <a class=\"law\" title=\"Registered name\" href=\"\/13.1-831\/\">13.1-831<\/a>; <a id=\"paragraph-298007\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/13.1-829\/#B2\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B3\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">3.<\/span> The designated name adopted by a <span class=\"dictionary\">foreign corporation<\/span>, whether issuing <span class=\"dictionary\">shares<\/span> or not issuing <span class=\"dictionary\">shares<\/span>, because its real name is unavailable for use in the Commonwealth; <a id=\"paragraph-298008\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/13.1-829\/#B3\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B4\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">4.<\/span> The name of a <span class=\"dictionary\">domestic limited liability company<\/span> or a <span class=\"dictionary\">foreign limited liability company<\/span> registered to <span class=\"dictionary\">transact business<\/span> in the Commonwealth; <a id=\"paragraph-298009\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/13.1-829\/#B4\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B5\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">5.<\/span> A limited liability company name reserved under &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Reserved name\" href=\"\/13.1-1013\/\">13.1-1013<\/a>; <a id=\"paragraph-298010\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/13.1-829\/#B5\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B6\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">6.<\/span> The designated name adopted by a <span class=\"dictionary\">foreign limited liability company<\/span> because its real name is unavailable for use in the Commonwealth; <a id=\"paragraph-298011\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/13.1-829\/#B6\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B7\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">7.<\/span> The name of a <span class=\"dictionary\">domestic business trust<\/span> or a <span class=\"dictionary\">foreign business trust<\/span> registered to <span class=\"dictionary\">transact business<\/span> in the Commonwealth; <a id=\"paragraph-298012\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/13.1-829\/#B7\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B8\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">8.<\/span> A business trust name reserved under &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Reserved name\" href=\"\/13.1-1215\/\">13.1-1215<\/a>; <a id=\"paragraph-298013\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/13.1-829\/#B8\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B9\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">9.<\/span> The designated name adopted by a <span class=\"dictionary\">foreign business trust<\/span> because its real name is unavailable for use in the Commonwealth; <a id=\"paragraph-298014\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/13.1-829\/#B9\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B10\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">10.<\/span> The name of a <span class=\"dictionary\">domestic limited partnership<\/span> or a <span class=\"dictionary\">foreign limited partnership<\/span> registered to <span class=\"dictionary\">transact business<\/span> in the Commonwealth; <a id=\"paragraph-298015\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/13.1-829\/#B10\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B11\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">11.<\/span> A limited partnership name reserved under &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Reserved name\" href=\"\/50-73.3\/\">50-73.3<\/a>; and <a id=\"paragraph-298016\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/13.1-829\/#B11\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B12\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">12.<\/span> The designated name adopted by a <span class=\"dictionary\">foreign limited partnership<\/span> because its real name is unavailable for use in the Commonwealth. <a id=\"paragraph-298017\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/13.1-829\/#B12\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"C\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">C.<\/span> A <span class=\"dictionary\">domestic corporation<\/span> may apply to the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commission<\/span> for authorization to use a name that is not distinguishable upon the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commission<\/span>&#8217;s records from one or more of the names described in subsection B. The <span class=\"dictionary\">Commission<\/span> shall authorize use of the name applied for if the other <span class=\"dictionary\">entity<\/span> consents to the use in <span class=\"dictionary\">writing<\/span> and submits an undertaking in form satisfactory to the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commission<\/span> to change its name to a name that is distinguishable upon the records of the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commission<\/span> from the name of the applying corporation. <a id=\"paragraph-298018\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/13.1-829\/#C\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"D\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">D.<\/span> The use of assumed names or fictitious names, as provided for in Chapter 5 (&#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Certificate required of person transacting business under assumed name\" href=\"\/59.1-69\/\">59.1-69<\/a> et seq.) of Title 59.1, is not affected by this chapter. <a id=\"paragraph-298019\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/13.1-829\/#D\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"E\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">E.<\/span> The <span class=\"dictionary\">Commission<\/span>, in determining whether a corporate name is distinguishable upon its records from the name of any of the business entities listed in subsection B, shall not consider any word, phrase, abbreviation, or designation required or permitted under &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Use of initials &quot;P.C.&quot; or &quot;PC&quot; in corporate name\" href=\"\/13.1-544.1\/\">13.1-544.1<\/a>, subsection A of &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Corporate name\" href=\"\/13.1-630\/\">13.1-630<\/a>, subsection A of &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Name\" href=\"\/13.1-1012\/\">13.1-1012<\/a>, &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Use of initials &quot;P.L.C.,&quot; &quot;PLC,&quot; &quot;P.L.L.C.&quot; or &quot;PLLC&quot; in company name\" href=\"\/13.1-1104\/\">13.1-1104<\/a>, subsection A of &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Name\" href=\"\/50-73.2\/\">50-73.2<\/a>, and subdivision A 2 of &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Limited partnership as registered limited liability partnership\" href=\"\/50-73.78\/\">50-73.78<\/a> to be contained in the name of a business <span class=\"dictionary\">entity<\/span> formed or organized under the <span class=\"dictionary\">laws<\/span> of the Commonwealth or authorized or registered to <span class=\"dictionary\">transact business<\/span> in the Commonwealth. <a id=\"paragraph-298020\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/13.1-829\/#E\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCORPORATE NAME (\u00a7 13.1-829)\n\nA. A corporate name shall not contain:\n\n   1. Any word or phrase that indicates or implies that it is organized for the\n   purpose of conducting any business other than a business that it is authorized\n   to conduct;\n\n   2. The word &#8220;redevelopment&#8221; unless the corporation is organized as\n   an urban redevelopment corporation pursuant to Chapter 190 of the Acts of\n   Assembly of 1946, as amended;\n\n   3. Any word, abbreviation, or combination of characters that states or implies\n   the corporation is a limited liability company, a limited partnership, a\n   registered limited liability partnership, or a protected series of a series\n   limited liability company; or\n\n   4. Any word or phrase that is prohibited by law for such corporation.\n\nB. Except as authorized by subsection C, a corporate name shall be\ndistinguishable upon the records of the Commission from:\n\n   1. The name of any corporation, whether issuing shares or not issuing shares,\n   existing under the laws of the Commonwealth or authorized to transact business\n   in the Commonwealth;\n\n   2. A corporate name reserved or registered under &#xA7; 13.1-631, 13.1-632,\n   13.1-830 or 13.1-831;\n\n   3. The designated name adopted by a foreign corporation, whether issuing\n   shares or not issuing shares, because its real name is unavailable for use in\n   the Commonwealth;\n\n   4. The name of a domestic limited liability company or a foreign limited\n   liability company registered to transact business in the Commonwealth;\n\n   5. A limited liability company name reserved under &#xA7; 13.1-1013;\n\n   6. The designated name adopted by a foreign limited liability company because\n   its real name is unavailable for use in the Commonwealth;\n\n   7. The name of a domestic business trust or a foreign business trust\n   registered to transact business in the Commonwealth;\n\n   8. A business trust name reserved under &#xA7; 13.1-1215;\n\n   9. The designated name adopted by a foreign business trust because its real\n   name is unavailable for use in the Commonwealth;\n\n   10. The name of a domestic limited partnership or a foreign limited\n   partnership registered to transact business in the Commonwealth;\n\n   11. A limited partnership name reserved under &#xA7; 50-73.3; and\n\n   12. The designated name adopted by a foreign limited partnership because its\n   real name is unavailable for use in the Commonwealth.\n\nC. A domestic corporation may apply to the Commission for authorization to use a\nname that is not distinguishable upon the Commission&#8217;s records from one or\nmore of the names described in subsection B. The Commission shall authorize use\nof the name applied for if the other entity consents to the use in writing and\nsubmits an undertaking in form satisfactory to the Commission to change its name\nto a name that is distinguishable upon the records of the Commission from the\nname of the applying corporation.\n\nD. The use of assumed names or fictitious names, as provided for in Chapter 5\n(&#xA7; 59.1-69 et seq.) of Title 59.1, is not affected by this chapter.\n\nE. The Commission, in determining whether a corporate name is distinguishable\nupon its records from the name of any of the business entities listed in\nsubsection B, shall not consider any word, phrase, abbreviation, or designation\nrequired or permitted under &#xA7; 13.1-544.1, subsection A of &#xA7; 13.1-630,\nsubsection A of &#xA7; 13.1-1012, &#xA7; 13.1-1104, subsection A of &#xA7;\n50-73.2, and subdivision A 2 of &#xA7; 50-73.78 to be contained in the name of a\nbusiness entity formed or organized under the laws of the Commonwealth or\nauthorized or registered to transact business in the Commonwealth.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 13.1-207; 1956, c. 428; 1975, c. 500; 1985, c. 522; 1986,\nc. 232; 2003, c. 592; 2005, c. 379; 2007, c. 925; 2009, c. 216; 2012, c. 63;\n2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 487.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}