Names likely to mislead the public.

72-03-02-08. Names likely to mislead the public. 1. The secretary of state may reject a proposed name if the name indicates a purpose that would be unlawful for the entity to engage in, including: a. A corporation or limited liability company proposed name may not contain the word "farm", "ranch", or words of like meaning unless: (1) The proposed name is associated with a farming or ranching corporation, farming or ranching limited liability company, authorized livestock farm corporation, or authorized livestock farm limited liability company incorporated or organized under North Dakota Century Code chapter 10-06.1; or (2) The proposed name contains a word or words qualifying that farming or ranching is not the entity's purpose (for example, "farm supply" or "farm equipment"). b. A proposed name may not contain the word "bank", "trust", or words of like import, unless the filing is accompanied by written approval from the North Dakota department of financial institutions granting use of the word in accordance with North Dakota Century Code sections 6-02-01 and 6-05-02. c. A proposed name may not contain a word or words indicating the entity provides insurance unless: (1) The proposed name is associated with an insurer; or (2) The proposed name contains a word or words qualifying that the entity's purpose is not that of an insurer (for example, "insurance agent", "insurance agency", or "insurance broker"). 5 2. The secretary of state may reject a proposed name if the name falsely implies an entity is a government organization or authority or has a government affiliation. 3. The secretary of state may reject a proposed name if the name falsely implies an entity is a professional association or is associated with a specific profession. 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 6-02-01, 6-05-02, 10-15-08(1)(c), 10-19.1-13(1)(d), 10-32.1-11(1)(d), 10-33-10(1)(d), 45-10.2-10(1)(e), 45-13-04.1(1)(d), 45-22-04(1)(d), 45-23-03(1)(e)