Corporate and Business Law > FAQ about Miscellaneous Questions

Does incorporate prevent others from using my company name?

No. Incorporation only prevents the secretary of state from filing a document to create another corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership that has the same or similar name as the entity already in existence.

Can trade name be protected nationwide?

As trade names are not nationally registered, they are by registering them as a service mark or trademark.

What do I have to file regularly?

Annual tax return and renewal of incorporation

How can a non US citizen own/participate in the ownership of a corporation?

It is not necessary to be a US citizen or to have a green card to own a corporation or limited liability company formed in the United States. A nonresident alien may own shares in a C corporation, but not in an S corporation. Hence foreign citizens form a limited liability company (LLC). A foreign citizen may be a corporate officer and/or director, but may not work in the United States or receive a salary or compensation for services provided in the United States unless the foreign citizen has a work permit issued by the United States.