Is it okay to use "Consulting" in a company name without a PE license?
Is it okay to use "Consulting" in a company name without a PE license?
(OP)
5 Nov 07 15:49
I have a question regarding a small company name? I am an EE. I graduated college about 35 years ago. I mostly worked for companies as an employee, but also did some design work for various others on a 1099 basis. In the late 70's I registered a company name in NJ as xxxx Consulting Co.
After reading all this argumentation regarding the use of "engineering" without a PE license, I'm wondering whether I can legally use my company name? Consulting sort of implies professional advise!
BTW, I looked into getting a PE license a few times, but I was discouraged by some of the requirements such as having a sponser recommendation and the 16 hours of testing. I'm sure I could have passed easily when I graduated(I understand 95% do), but it would be very difficult 35 years later. I'm also sure most of the existing older PE's would also fail the tests now if they had to take them, despite the update courses they take as a requirement for renewal.
I have a question regarding a small company name? I am an EE. I graduated college about 35 years ago. I mostly worked for companies as an employee, but also did some design work for various others on a 1099 basis. In the late 70's I registered a company name in NJ as xxxx Consulting Co.
After reading all this argumentation regarding the use of "engineering" without a PE license, I'm wondering whether I can legally use my company name? Consulting sort of implies professional advise!
BTW, I looked into getting a PE license a few times, but I was discouraged by some of the requirements such as having a sponser recommendation and the 16 hours of testing. I'm sure I could have passed easily when I graduated(I understand 95% do), but it would be very difficult 35 years later. I'm also sure most of the existing older PE's would also fail the tests now if they had to take them, despite the update courses they take as a requirement for renewal.





RE: Is it okay to use "Consulting" in a company name without a PE license?
RE: Is it okay to use "Consulting" in a company name without a PE license?
I'm pretty certain 'consulting' is fine.
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Aercoustics.com
RE: Is it okay to use "Consulting" in a company name without a PE license?
RE: Is it okay to use "Consulting" in a company name without a PE license?
Offering engineering services to the public is usually not OK. Check with your state engineering board.
RE: Is it okay to use "Consulting" in a company name without a PE license?
There are other names that have similar restrictions (e.g., you can't have "Doctor" in your business name unless you are licensed in a medical/dental profession), but "consulting" is not one of them.
You didn't ask if your consulting business could legally provide engineering services and I'm going to assume that you have gotten competent legal advice on that subject and the allowed scope of your business.
David
RE: Is it okay to use "Consulting" in a company name without a PE license?
RE: Is it okay to use "Consulting" in a company name without a PE license?
Greg Lamberson, BS, MBA
Consultant - Upstream Energy
Website: www.oil-gas-consulting.com
RE: Is it okay to use "Consulting" in a company name without a PE license?
Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Is it okay to use "Consulting" in a company name without a PE license?
David
RE: Is it okay to use "Consulting" in a company name without a PE license?
Additionally, I don't think it's the company name where you have to be careful, I think it's more in the service that you offer. As long as you don't imply or claim to be an engineer as part of your service.
I used to be a stock holder in a firm that was xxxx and Associates, Consulting Engineers Inc. and I, like you have a lot of experience, an associates degree in a related field but am not a P.E.
We would have been in big trouble with a name like that and a non P.E. as part owner if the name meant anything.
RE: Is it okay to use "Consulting" in a company name without a PE license?
RE: Is it okay to use "Consulting" in a company name without a PE license?
With that said-with the way some laws/standards are, I wouldn't be surprised either way.
V
Mechanical Engineer
"When I am working on a problem, I do not think of beauty, but when I've finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong."
- R. Buckminster Fuller
RE: Is it okay to use "Consulting" in a company name without a PE license?
http://www.nj.gov/oag/ca/nonmedical/pels.htm
http:
The definition of engineering services is provided on page 40-3 in the same document. It would appear that anyone who provides engineering services (as defined in this document) to the general public without a valid PE license is in violation of these statutes.
Maui
RE: Is it okay to use "Consulting" in a company name without a PE license?
Since you mention that you do electrical engineering work, I'd be very careful in making sure that I had insurance coverage if it were me.
Mike
http://www.partnerup.com/