CA SB522

Eliminates exception allowing corporations to use names substantially similar to existing corporations with consent; all corporate names must now be distinguishable and not likely to mislead the public.

Removes exemption for professional corporations from general naming requirements in the Corporations Code; professional corporations now subject to same naming rules as other corporations.

Deletes exception allowing limited partnerships and limited liability companies to seek Secretary of State authorization to use non-complying names; prohibits names likely to mislead the public.

Authorizes courts to enjoin use of entity names violating naming provisions even if the Secretary of State has already filed the articles for limited partnerships and limited liability companies.

Requires domestic and foreign corporations, nonprofits, and cooperatives to include their entity name and Secretary of State number as they appear in official records when submitting filings.