Words, explained · 12 of 25

Certificate of incorporation

Also writtenincorporationincorporateincorporated

The Registrar’s certificate: from its date, the company exists.

What it is

“Incorporating” is creating the company. Until the certificate is issued it does not exist — anyone who signs a contract in its name before then is personally liable.

What it is not

Not a business licence: the company exists from the certificate, but most businesses still need a licence before they run.

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