Rhode Island § 7-6-72 - Rhode Island Nonprofit Corporation Act
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 7-6-72 — Rhode Island Nonprofit Corporation Act, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 7-6-72. Rhode Island Nonprofit Corporation Act
R.I. Gen. Laws § 7-6-72
§ 7-6-72. Corporate name of foreign corporation.
No certificate of authority shall be issued to a foreign corporation unless the corporate name of the corporation:
(1) Does not contain any word or phrase that indicates or implies that it is organized for any purpose other than one or more of the purposes contained in its articles of incorporation.
(2) Is distinguishable upon the records of the secretary of state from the name of any corporation, whether for-profit or not-for-profit, domestic or foreign limited partnership, or domestic or foreign limited-liability company organized under the laws of, or registered or qualified or authorized to transact business or conduct affairs in this state, or that is filed, reserved, or registered under this title.
(3) Is translated into letters of the English alphabet, if it is not in English.
(4) Words and/or abbreviations that are required by statute to identify the particular type of business entity shall be disregarded when determining if a name is distinguishable upon the records of the secretary of state.
(5) The secretary of state shall promulgate rules and regulations defining the term “distinguishable upon the record” for the administration of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 380, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 444, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 380, § 1; P.L. 1993,
ch. 187, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 188, § 2; P.L. 2005, ch. 36, § 4; P.L. 2005, ch. 72,
§ 4; P.L. 2011, ch. 54, § 2; P.L. 2011, ch. 60, § 2; P.L. 2018, ch. 346, § 6.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 7-6-72
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 7-6-72 cover?
Section 7-6-72 ("Rhode Island Nonprofit Corporation Act") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island § 7-6-72?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 7-6-72" (Rhode Island). 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 Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 7-6-72 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.