One example
If you look up the business name "Computer Solutions," you'll find 14 listings of businesses operated as sole proprietorships throughout Missouri with that name, and you will also find four listings for Computer Solutions, Inc. However, only one corporation listed under this name is active. The others existed at different times in the past.
Clearly, only one corporate form of Computer Solutions can be active at one time, while technically sole proprietors and partnerships can use the same name without the corporate reference. However, be advised that a fictitious name properly filed with the Secretary of State does not eliminate the possibility of a corporation seeking an injunction against the use of that name. Experts recommend that you avoid putting yourself and your business in this position.
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