Role of secretary of state.

72-03-02-03. Role of secretary of state. 1. If a proposed name is distinguishable in the secretary of state's records, the secretary of state shall file the proposed name unless an exception applies. 2. The secretary of state may not make a determination as to whether the use of a proposed name or a name constitutes unfair competition, unfair trade practice, or name infringement with other entities already in existence. History: Effective January 1, 2026. General Authority: NDCC 10-15-08.1(3), 10-19.1-13(2), 10-32.1-11(2), 10-33-10(2), 10-34-04(3)(a), 45-10.2-10(2), 45-11-01(4), 45-13-04.1(2), 45-22-04(2), 45-23-03(2), 47-25-03(2) Law Implemented: NDCC 10-15-08.1(d), 10-19.1-13(1)(e), 10-19.1-13(2), 10-19.1-13(3), 10-32.1-11 (1)(e), 10-32.1-11(2), 10-33-10(1)(e), 10-34-04(3)(a), 45-10.2-10(1)(f), 45-10.2-10(2), 45-11-01(3)(c), 45-11-01(4), 45-13-04.1(e), 45-13-04.1(2), 45-13-14.1(2), 45-22-04(1)(e), 45-22-04(2), 45-23-03(1)(f), 47-25-03(1)(c), 47-25-03(2)