Indiana § 23-17-4-2 - Perpetual duration and succession; powers

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 23-17-4-2 — Perpetual duration and succession; powers, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 23-17-4-2. Perpetual duration and succession; powers

Sec. 2. Unless a corporation's articles of incorporation provide otherwise, a corporation has perpetual duration and succession in the corporation's corporate name and has the same powers as an individual to do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the corporation's affairs, including the power to do the following:

(1) Sue, be sued, complain, and defend in the corporation's corporate name.

(2) Have a corporate seal or facsimile of a corporate seal, which may be altered at will, to use by impressing or affixing or in any other manner reproducing it. However, the use or impression of a corporate seal is not required and does not affect the validity of any instrument.

(3) Make and amend bylaws not inconsistent with the corporation's articles of incorporation or with Indiana law for managing the affairs of the corporation.

(4) Purchase, receive, take by gift, devise, or bequest, lease, or otherwise acquire, and own, hold, improve, use, and otherwise deal with, real or personal property, or any legal or equitable interest in property, wherever located.

(5) Sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, and otherwise dispose of all or any part of the corporation's property.

(6) Purchase, receive, subscribe for, or otherwise acquire, own, hold, vote, use, sell, mortgage, lend, pledge, or otherwise dispose of, and deal in and with, shares or other interests in, or obligations of any entity.

(7) Make contracts and guaranties, incur liabilities, borrow money, issue notes, bonds, and other obligations and secure any of the corporation's obligations by mortgage or pledge of any of the corporation's property, franchises, or income.

(8) Lend money, invest and reinvest the corporation's funds, and receive and hold real and personal property as security for repayment, except as provided under IC 23-17-13-3.

(9) Be a promoter, a partner, a member, an associate or a manager of any partnership, joint venture, trust, or other entity.

(10) Conduct the corporation's activities, locate offices, and exercise the powers granted by this article inside or outside Indiana.

(11) Elect directors, elect and appoint officers, and appoint employees and agents of the corporation, define the duties and fix the compensation of directors, officers, employees and agents.

(12) Pay pensions and establish pension plans, pension trusts, and other benefit and incentive plans for the corporation's current or former directors, officers, employees, and agents.

(13) Make donations not inconsistent with law for the public welfare or for charitable, religious, scientific, or educational purposes and for other purposes that further the corporate interest.

(14) Impose dues, assessments, admission, and transfer fees upon the corporation's members.

(15) Establish conditions for admission of members, admit members, and issue memberships.

(16) Carry on a business.

(17) Have and exercise powers of a trustee as permitted by law, including those set forth in IC 30-4-3-3.

(18) Purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any individual who:

(A) is or was a director, an officer, an employee, or an agent of the corporation; or

(B) is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, an officer, an employee, or an agent of another entity;

against any liability asserted against or incurred by the individual in that capacity or arising from the individual's status as a director, an officer, an employee, or an agent, whether or not the corporation would have power to indemnify the individual against the same liability under this article.

(19) Do all things necessary or convenient, not inconsistent with law, to further the activities and affairs of the corporation.

(20) Adopt, either in the corporation's articles of incorporation or bylaws, a provision establishing exclusive jurisdiction in the circuit or superior courts of any county in Indiana or in the United States district courts of Indiana, for:

(A) any action asserting a claim for breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation to the corporation;

(B) any action asserting a claim arising under:

(i) any provision of this article; or

(ii) the corporation's articles of incorporation or bylaws; or

(C) any actions otherwise relating to the internal affairs of the corporation.

As added by P.L.179-1991, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.63-2014, SEC.19.

Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 23-17-4-2

What does Indiana Code § 23-17-4-2 cover?

Section 23-17-4-2 ("Perpetual duration and succession; powers") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Indiana § 23-17-4-2?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 23-17-4-2" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Indiana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.

How does Indiana § 23-17-4-2 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.