Minnesota § 303.05 - NAMES OF CORPORATIONS

Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 303.05 — NAMES OF CORPORATIONS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 303.05. NAMES OF CORPORATIONS

Subdivision 1.Certificate of authority, when not issued.

No certificate of authority shall be issued to a foreign corporation if the name of that foreign corporation would be prohibited to a corporation under the provisions of chapter 302A. The name of that corporation may contain the word "cooperative" if it is a cooperative corporation generally similar to the kind which may be organized under the laws of this state. If that corporation is a corporation obtaining a certificate of authority pursuant to the provisions of section 303.04, the name of that corporation may contain the words "bank," "trust," "building and loan," or "savings" and such corporation shall not be required to add the word "incorporated" or the abbreviation "Inc." to its corporate name. A foreign corporation may use an alternate name to transact business in this state if its board of directors adopts a resolution adopting the alternate name. The alternate name must meet the requirements of section 302A.115, and need not be filed under sections 333.001 to 333.06.

Subd. 2.Application.

Nothing in this section shall abrogate or limit the law as to unfair competition or unfair practices nor derogate from the common law, the principles of equity, the statutes of this state or of the United States with respect to the right to acquire and protect trade names.

Subd. 3.Injunction.

If a foreign corporation does business in this state under a name prohibited by this section, the courts of this state having equity jurisdiction may, upon the application of the state or of any person, unincorporated association, or corporation interested or affected, enjoin such foreign corporation from doing business in this state under such name, whether or not a certificate of authority shall have been issued to such foreign corporation.

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 2008 c 203 s 14]

History:

(7495-4) 1935 c 200 s 4; 1951 c 550 s 77; 1965 c 97 s 1; 1981 c 270 s 129; 1982 c 496 s 3; 1989 c 292 s 7; 2010 c 250 art 2 s 10

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 303.05

What does Minnesota Statutes § 303.05 cover?

Section 303.05 ("NAMES OF CORPORATIONS") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. 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 Minnesota § 303.05?

A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 303.05" (Minnesota). 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 Minnesota law?

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

How does Minnesota § 303.05 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota 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 Minnesota.