Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corp. Law › CHAPTER 18. Crimes and Penalties [8810 - 8817]

California Corporations Code § 8816. Unauthorized Use of Names in Advertisements

(Added by Stats. 1978, Ch. 567.)
Text current as of August 17, 2026, per California Legislative Information.

Every person who, without being authorized so to do, subscribes the name of another to or inserts the name of another in any prospectus, circular or other advertisement or announcement of any corporation, whether existing or intended to be formed, with intent to permit the document to be published and thereby to lead persons to believe that the person whose name is so subscribed is an officer, agent or promoter of such corporation, when in fact no such relationship exists to the knowledge of such person, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

The text of the Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation Law is provided for reference and convenience only, from the California Legislative Information website (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov). It is not legal advice, and the official version of California statutes is published by the state. Statutes may have been amended after the “current as of” date shown above. Consult counsel regarding the application of any statute to your association.