2025 Session Last amended: 1988 session

§ 333.06 — Pleading Failure to File Certificate; Costs

Plain-Language Summary

If a business sues someone without having first filed its assumed name certificate, the other side can ask the court to pause the case until the certificate is filed. Whether the business that failed to file wins or loses, the other side gets an extra $250 in costs. If someone with an unfiled assumed name is the defendant in a lawsuit, the plaintiff gets $250 in extra costs regardless of who wins.

Practical Notes
This creates a real financial penalty for not filing your assumed name certificate. If you bring a lawsuit, the defendant can delay the entire case and collect $250 in extra costs from you. Even if you win the lawsuit, the $250 penalty still applies. This makes it important to file your certificate before doing any business.