Full text of Utah Utah Code § 1a-302 — Permitted names. (Effective 10/1/2026), with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 1a-302. Permitted names. (Effective 10/1/2026)
Effective 10/1/2026 16-1a-302.
Permitted names.
(1)
Except as provided in Subsection (3) or (4), the name of a domestic filing entity, the name under which a foreign entity may register to do business in this state, and a D.B.A. registered under Title 42, Chapter 2, Conducting Business as a D.B.A., shall be distinguishable on the records of the division from a:
(a)
name of an existing domestic filing entity that at the time is not dissolved;
(b)
name under which a foreign entity is registered to do business in this state under Section 16-1a-503;
(c)
D.B.A. registered under Title 42, Chapter 2, Conducting Business as a D.B.A.;
Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (4), a name is distinguishable from other names registered with the division if the name contains one or more different words, letters, or numerals from other names in the division's records.
(3)
The following differences do not qualify as distinguishing between two names:
an abbreviation of a word listed in Subsection (3)(a);
(c)
the presence or absence of the words or symbols of the words:
(i)
"the";
(ii)
"and";
(iii)
"a"; or
(iv)
"plus";
(d)
a difference in punctuation, spacing, or special characters;
(e)
a difference in capitalization; and
(f)
for an entity's name described in Subsection (1) that formed in this state on or after May 4, 1998:
(i)
an abbreviation of a word or phrase; or
(ii)
a difference in the singular or plural form of a word.
(4)
(a)
An entity may consent in a record to a person's use of a name that is not distinguishable on the records of the division from the entity's name if the name includes a term described in Subsection (3)(a).
(b)
If an entity consents to a person's use of a name in accordance with Subsection (4)(a), the entity is not required to change the entity's name.
(5)
An entity's name shall comply with Section 7-1-701.
(6)
An entity's name may not contain the words:
(a)
without the consent of the United States Olympic Committee:
(i)
"Olympic";
(ii)
"Olympiad"; or
(iii)
"Citius Altius Fortius";
(b)
for an entity's name described in Subsection (1) that an entity changes or forms on or after May 4, 2022, the number sequence "911"; or
(c)
without the consent of the Department of Financial Institutions, the words described in Section 7-1-701.
(7)
An entity may use a name that is not distinguishable from a name described in Subsection (1) if the entity delivers to the division for filing a certified copy of a final judgment of a court with jurisdiction establishing the right of the entity to use the name in this state.
(8)
The division may not approve for filing a name that implies that an entity is an agency of this state or any of the state's political subdivisions, if the entity is not actually an agency of this state or any of the state's political subdivisions.
Section 1a-302 ("Permitted names. (Effective 10/1/2026)") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. 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 Utah § 1a-302?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 1a-302" (Utah). 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 Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 1a-302 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
