Can I use the word "cooperative" in the name of my business?
Chapter 308A restricts the word, and a 308B cooperative appears to qualify, but the restriction is not written in chapter 308B so ask counsel if the name matters.
Section 308A.011 restricts who may use the term "cooperative" in a name in Minnesota. It covers entities subject to chapter 308A or "incorporated under other laws of this state authorizing incorporation of business on a cooperative plan," and says misuse is a misdemeanor P2, § 308A.011.
[INFERENCE] A chapter 308B cooperative appears to be in the second group, but the section is in chapter 308A and does not mention 308B by name.
Separately, a 308B cooperative's name must be distinguishable on the Secretary of State's records from other domestic and foreign business entity names, and the name is reserved to the cooperative during its existence P1, § 308B.211. The articles form says a preliminary name availability check is available on the SOS website, but the check is preliminary G1.
Statute sections referenced
- § 308A.011 USE OF TERM COOPERATIVE RESTRICTED.
- § 308B.211 COOPERATIVE NAME.
Related
Sources
- G1 Minnesota Cooperative: Articles of Organization, Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 308B (form, Rev. 7/1/2025), Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. sos.mn.gov (primary; accessed October 15, 2026)
- P1 Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 308B (Cooperative Associations), Office of the Revisor of Statutes, State of Minnesota. revisor.mn.gov (primary; accessed October 15, 2026)
- P2 Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 308A (Cooperative Law), Office of the Revisor of Statutes, State of Minnesota. revisor.mn.gov (primary; accessed October 15, 2026)