Wisconsin Statutes Corporations (Ch. 180 to 188) § 180.0403. Registration of name

(1)(a) A foreign corporation that has not obtained a certificate of authority to transact business in this state under subch. XV may register its name, or a fictitious name adopted pursuant to s. 180.1506(1), if the name is distinguishable on the records of the department from the names that are not available unders. 180.1506(2)(a)1. to 4.

(b) To register its name or a fictitious name adopted pursuant to s. 180.1506(1), a foreign corporation must deliver to the department for filing an application stating the foreign corporation's name, the jurisdiction and the date of its formation, and any fictitious name adopted pursuant to s. 180.1506(1). If the department finds that the name applied for is available, the department shall register the name for the applicant's exclusive use.

(c) The registration of a name under this section expires annually on December 31.

(d) A foreign corporation whose name registration is effective may renew the registration by delivering to the department for filing, between October 1 and December 31 of each year that the registration is in effect, a renewal application that complies with this section. When filed, the renewal application renews the registration for the next year.

(4)(a) A foreign corporation whose registration is effective under sub. (1) may thereafter apply for a certificate of authority under the registered name or consent in writing to the use of that name by a domestic corporation thereafter incorporated under this chapter or by another foreign corporation thereafter authorized to transact business in this state. The registration terminates when the domestic corporation is incorporated or the foreign corporation obtains a certificate of authority or consents to another foreign corporation obtaining a certificate of authority under the registered name.

(b) The holder of a registration effective under sub. (2) may thereafter incorporate as a domestic corporation or obtain a certificate of authority under the registered name or consent in writing to use of that name by a domestic corporation thereafter incorporated under this chapter or by a foreign corporation thereafter authorized to transact business in this state. The registration terminates when any of the following occurs: