Pennsylvania § 331 - Contracts and acts by entity using unregistered fictitious name.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 331 — Contracts and acts by entity using unregistered fictitious name., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 331. Contracts and acts by entity using unregistered fictitious name.
(a) General rule.--No entity which has failed to register a fictitious name as required by this chapter shall be permitted to maintain any action in any tribunal of this Commonwealth until such entity shall have complied with the provisions of this chapter. Nor shall any action be maintained in any tribunal of this Commonwealth by any successor or assignee of such entity on any right, claim or demand arising out of a transaction with respect to which such entity used such fictitious name until such entity, or an entity which has acquired all or substantially all of its assets, shall have complied with the provisions of this chapter. The failure by itself of an entity to register a fictitious name as required by this chapter shall not impair the validity of any contract or act of the entity using the fictitious name and shall not prevent the entity from defending any action in any tribunal of this Commonwealth.
(b) Civil penalty.--(Deleted by amendment).
(c) Substantial compliance.--The penalty under subsection (a) shall not be applicable if there has been substantial compliance in good faith with the requirements of this chapter or the corresponding provisions of prior law.
(Nov. 3, 2022, P.L.1791, No.122, eff. 60 days)
Cross References. Section 331 is referred to in section 332 of this title.
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 331
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 331 cover?
Section 331 ("Contracts and acts by entity using unregistered fictitious name.") 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 § 331?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 331" (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 § 331 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.