Use of the word "engineering" in company name
Use of the word "engineering" in company name
(OP)
I'm wondering about the use of the word "engineering", in a corporate name. I am assuming (and also searching the state statutes) that the word "engineering", as in "Acme Engineering, Inc."(intended to be a fictional name, as an example only) implies that the company does engineering for the public, and therefore has an licensed PE on staff.
Is that generally the case? ie use of the word "engineering' requires a PE license? and is there a better source to confirm this online? currently I'm sifting thru the Florida state statutes, and trying to decipher the legal speak.
Thanks,
Is that generally the case? ie use of the word "engineering' requires a PE license? and is there a better source to confirm this online? currently I'm sifting thru the Florida state statutes, and trying to decipher the legal speak.
Thanks,
-Dave
Everything should be designed as simple as possible, but not simpler.





RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
David
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
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Maui
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
Wouldn't that be the same thing as Post advertising "sliderules for science and engineering"? I think that providing a tool to support engineers activities is very much different from providing engineering services. Maybe I'm wrong.
David
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
"Rug Doctors" will never be mistaken for a medical practice.
Likewise, unless the company's name can be readily construed to imply the offering of engineering services, there would be little grounds for complaining.
TTFN
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
I'm asking, because I know of a degreed engineer, that is considering incorporating to do some side work. I mentioned that I didn't think he could use a name like that without a PE, and/or even do the work, without a PE.
This Florida State Statute seems to cover it:
471.023 Certification of business organizations.--
(1) The practice of, or the offer to practice, engineering by licensees or offering engineering services to the public through a business organization, including a partnership, corporation, business trust, or other legal entity or by a business organization, including a corporation, partnership, business trust, or other legal entity offering such services to the public through licensees under this chapter as agents, employees, officers, or partners is permitted only if the business organization possesses a certification issued by the management corporation pursuant to qualification by the board, subject to the provisions of this chapter. One or more of the principal officers of the business organization or one or more partners of the partnership and all personnel of the business organization who act in its behalf as engineers in this state shall be licensed as provided by this chapter.
-Dave
Everything should be designed as simple as possible, but not simpler.
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
TTFN
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
There are no legislative restrictions on the use of 'Engineer' and 'Engineering' in company names.
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
Where are you? I recently worked with a guy who owned "Acme Engineering", he was a Petroleum Engineer with 20+ years experience. He got turned into the state board and the outcome was a fine and a requirement to change the company to "Acme Energy".
That sounds like a direct analog to your situation, but probably in a different jurisdiction. Like you said, a person really needs to research the laws in their own jurisdiction.
David
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
Your friend was an engineer with 20 years' experience. What was the problem with him using 'engineering' in his company name?
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
He didn't have a Professional Engineer license from the state where his business resided (or any state). That was it.
In New Mexico (where I live, not where he lives), they had to have a copy of my current registration before they would grant me a business license. I didn't have it with me when I went to register the first time so they "suggested" that I either pick another name for my business or go get it. They didn't offer a third alternative.
David
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
I'm in Ontario, Canada.
BigH
Ontario only requires a P.Eng in the company if you offer any kind of services to the public which could compromise public safety in general.
Another example is the design of a small utility trailer for carrying home 2 x 4's , although not an engineering marvel, should be done by a P.Eng.
The services I offer and provide do not compromise public safety.
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
Cheers
Greg Locock
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
Contact
Mr. Jim X. Smith, Principal Engineering President
I know the company and this guy is not a PE so what a weird way to sign his name.
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
I always was carefull not to call myself an engineer, rather a designer.
This comes down to variation of the same old questions:
Can you engineer something, yet not be an engineer?
What is the difference between engineering and designing?
David
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
John
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
Heck, the US Navy called me an Engineer at 19 years old with a high-school diploma because I worked in an engine room. I don't think that California would have thought much of my putting that federal designation on a business card with a California address.
David
RE: Use of the word "engineering" in company name
Here in Manitoba registering such a name requires the permission of the local professional association. This was quickly granted based on my signing a formal agreement that the company had to employ and be under the management of a professional engineer. If the management of the firm was changed to include a majority ownership or control by a non engineer then the agreement requires that I change the firm’s name.
Since I know the people at the association personally (went to school with some of them) I asked if they ever have any trouble enforcing this. They told me no problem; they simply would write to the company registrar’s office and have the company delisted in a matter of days if they ever came upon a violation.
Delisting a company has extreme tax and liability imp0olications for the owner.
Rick Kitson MBA P.Eng
Construction Project Management
From conception to completion
www.kitsonengineering.com