§ 1-502. Requirements

   (a) Corporation names. --

   (1) The name of a corporation must include one of the following words or an abbreviation of one of the following words:

      (i) "Company", if it is not preceded by the word "and" or a symbol for the word "and";

      (ii) "Corporation";

      (iii) "Incorporated"; or

      (iv) "Limited".

   (2) If a corporation is a benefit corporation, the name of the benefit corporation must include:

      (i) The words "benefit corporation";

      (ii) "Benefit Corp.";

      (iii) The words "benefit company", if not preceded by the word "and" or a symbol for the word "and"; or

      (iv) "Benefit Co.", if not preceded by the word "and" or a symbol for the word "and".

(b) Limited liability companies. --

   (1) The name of a limited liability company must include:

      (i) The words "limited liability company";

      (ii) "L.L.C.";

      (iii) "LLC";

      (iv) "L.C."; or

      (v) "LC".

   (2) If a limited liability company is a benefit limited liability company, the name of the benefit limited liability company must include:

      (i) The words "benefit limited liability company";

      (ii) "Benefit L.L.C.";

      (iii) "Benefit LLC";

      (iv) "Benefit L.C."; or

      (v) "Benefit LC".

(c) Limited liability partnerships. -- The name of a limited liability partnership must include:

   (1) The words "limited liability partnership";

   (2) "L.L.P."; or

   (3) "LLP".

(d) Limited partnerships. -- The name of a limited partnership must include:

   (1) The words "limited partnership";

   (2) "L.P."; or

   (3) "LP".

(e) Limited liability limited partnership. -- The name of a limited liability limited partnership must include:

   (1) The words "limited liability limited partnership";

   (2) "L.L.L.P."; or

   (3) "LLLP".

(f) Professional corporations. --

   (1) The corporate name of a professional corporation must include:

      (i) The word "chartered";

      (ii) The abbreviation "chtd.";

      (iii) The words "professional association";

      (iv) The abbreviation "P.A.";

      (v) The words "professional corporation"; or

      (vi) The abbreviation "P.C.".

   (2) A professional corporation need not use any word specified under paragraph (1) of this subsection if:

      (i) The corporation has registered the name to be used in the manner provided in § 1-406 of this title; and

      (ii) The name is the same as its corporate name except for the allowable omissions.

HISTORY: 1998, ch. 222; 1999, ch. 34, § 1; 2007, ch. 5, § 7; 2011, ch. 500, § 2; ch. 501, § 2.