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HomeBusiness and Professions CodeDiv. 7Pt. 3Ch. 5§ 17918 Fictitious Business Name Enforcement

§ 17918 Fictitious Business Name Enforcement

Business and Professions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 17918 Fictitious Business Name Enforcement

Key Takeaways

  • •If you use a fake business name without following the rules, you can't sue someone over a deal made with that name.
  • •You must file and publish the fake business name the right way before you can take legal action.
  • •If you forget to renew your fake business name on time, you can still sue—this rule doesn’t apply to that mistake.

Example

You sell cupcakes under the name 'Sweet Treats' but never filed the paperwork for that name. A customer refuses to pay you for 100 cupcakes.

You can't take them to court to get your money until you properly file and publish 'Sweet Treats' as your business name.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 17918 Fictitious Business Name Enforcement

No person transacting business under a fictitious business name contrary to the provisions of this chapter, or his assignee, may maintain any action upon or on account of any contract made, or transaction had, in the fictitious business name in any court of this state until the fictitious business name statement has been executed, filed, and published as required by this chapter. For the purposes of this section, the failure to comply with subdivision (b) of Section 17917 does not constitute transacting business contrary to the provisions of this chapter. (Added by Stats. 1970, Ch. 618.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

fictitious business namefictitious business name statementtransacting businesssubdivision (b) of Section 17917

Related Statutes

  • § 17900 Fictitious Business Name Filing
  • § 17910 Fictitious Business Name Filing
  • § 17910.5 Fictitious Business Name Restrictions
  • § 17913 Fictitious Business Name Statement Form
  • § 17914 Fictitious Business Name Signatures

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Business and Professions Code. Section 17918.
View Official Source