§ 54036 Cooperative Name Use Restrictions

Food and Agricultural Code·California

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Key Takeaways

•Only real cooperatives can use the word 'cooperative' in their name.
•If a business wants to use 'cooperative' in its name, it must follow special rules.
•Using 'cooperative' without following the rules is not allowed.

Example

A group of farmers wants to start a business together and call it 'Sunny Valley Cooperative'.

They can only use the word 'cooperative' in their name if they follow the rules for cooperatives in the law. If they don't follow the rules, they can't call themselves a cooperative.

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

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 54036 Cooperative Name Use Restrictions

A person, firm, corporation, or association, that is hereafter organized or doing business in this state, may not use the word “cooperative” as part of its corporate name or other business name or title for producers’ cooperative marketing activities, unless it has complied with this chapter or is otherwise authorized by Chapter 22 (commencing with Section 26220) of Division 10 of the Business and Professions Code. (Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 111. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

cooperative corporation in california professions code effective june organization association

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Food and Agricultural Code. Section 54036.

Key Takeaways

Example

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References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References