Pennsylvania § 303 - Scope of chapter.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 303 — Scope of chapter., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 303. Scope of chapter.
(a) Voluntary registration.--Any one or more entities may elect to register a fictitious name under this chapter for the purpose of establishing a public record of their relationship to any business or other activity carried on under or through such fictitious name.
(b) Mandatory registration.--
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any entity which either alone or in combination with any other entity conducts any business in this Commonwealth under or through any fictitious name shall register the fictitious name under this chapter and shall amend such registration whenever necessary to maintain the accuracy of the information disclosed thereby.
(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any:
(i) Nonprofit or professional activities.
(ii) Activities which are expressly or impliedly prohibited by law from being carried on under a fictitious name.
(iii) (Deleted by amendment).
(iv) Unincorporated association.
(v) (Deleted by amendment).
(vi) (Deleted by amendment).
(vii) (Deleted by amendment).
(viii) (Deleted by amendment).
(c) Other restrictions unaffected.--The registration of a fictitious name under this chapter shall not be a defense to any action or proceeding brought to enforce any law which expressly or impliedly prohibits any activity from being carried on under a fictitious name.
(d) Effect of registration.--The registration of a name under this chapter does not render the name unavailable for use by another entity.
(Dec. 21, 1988, P.L.1444, No.177, eff. Oct. 1, 1989; Dec. 7, 1994, P.L.703, No.106, eff. 60 days; June 22, 2000, P.L.356, No.43, eff. 60 days; Oct. 22, 2014, P.L.2640, No.172, eff. July 1, 2015)
2014 Amendment. Act 172 added subsec. (d).
2000 Amendment. Act 43 deleted subsec. (b)(2)(iii), (v), (vi), (vii) and (viii).
1988 Amendment. Act 177 amended subsec. (b)(2).
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 303
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 303 cover?
Section 303 ("Scope of chapter.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania § 303?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 303" (Pennsylvania). 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 Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 303 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.