4703-3-03. Firm names

(A) When personal names of architects are used in the name of the sole proprietorship or firm, only names of living registrants or former registered members of the sole proprietorship or firm, now retired or deceased, may be used. The status of a retired or deceased member must be clearly shown on the firm letterheads by the use of the words "retired" or "deceased" or the date of the years of the member's birth and death. Any reference in the name to other persons of a firm, partnership, association, or corporation shall be permitted only when such other persons are registered architects, landscape architects, professional engineers or surveyors and their identity is made known specifically on letterheads of the firm.

(B) A sole proprietorship, firm, partnership, association or corporation otherwise qualified to practice in Ohio is permitted to practice under a name which does not include the names of registered principals. Names which tend to deceive or confuse the public or are unreasonably similar to the name of another sole proprietorship or firm will not be permitted.

(C) Any non-resident firm legally engaged in architectural practice in the jurisdiction of its origin is granted the right to retain its identity upon obtaining a certificate of authorization to provide architectural services in Ohio.

Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 11/20/2014 and 10/31/2019
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 4703.02
Rule Amplifies: 4703.10, 4703.12, 4703.13, 4703.14, 4703.18
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1974, 11/4/1977, 6/25/1983, 6/25/1990, 4/15/1992, 11/1/1994, 07/29/2005

Prior History: (R.C. 119.032 review dates: 09/10/2014 and 10/31/2014
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 4703.02
Rule Amplifies: 4703.10, 4703.12, 4703.13, 4703.14, 4703.18
Prior Effective Dates: 3/15/1974, 11/4/1977, 6/25/1983, 6/25/1990, 4/15/1992, 11/1/1994, 11/2/09)