Washington State Statutes - Washington Attorney Directory

No charitable organization, commercial fund raiser, or other entity may knowingly use the identical or deceptively similar name, symbol, or emblem of any other entity for the purpose of soliciting contributions from persons in this state without the written consent of such other entity. If the official name or the "doing business name" being registered is the same or deceptively similar as that of another entity, the secretary may request that a copy of the written consent from that entity be filed with the registration. Such consent may be deemed to have been given by anyone who is a director, trustee, or other authorized officer of that entity. A copy of the written consent must be kept on file by the charitable organization or commercial fund raiser and made available to the secretary, attorney general, or county prosecutor upon demand.

A person may be deemed to have used the name of another person for the purpose of soliciting contributions if such latter person's name is listed on any stationery, advertisement, brochure, or correspondence of the charitable organization or person or if such name is listed or represented to any one who has contributed to, sponsored, or endorsed the charitable organization or person, or its or his activities.

The secretary may revoke or deny any application for registration that violates this section.

[1994 c 287 § 3; 1993 c 471 § 13; 1986 c 230 § 14; 1982 c 227 § 11; 1973 1st ex.s. c 13 § 23.]

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