1. (1) The department can deny, suspend, or reject a firm name or assumed name if it:

   1. (a) Is derogatory;
   2. (b) Is similar or the same as another licensed firm name;
   3. (c) Implies that the firm is a public agency or part of government;
   4. (d) Implies the firm is a not-for-profit organization;
   5. (e) Implies it is a research organization.

2. (2) The following are nonexclusive examples of language that are deemed to be similar when used individually or in combination:

   1. (a) The use of a different corporate designator, for example, Corp., Co., Inc., Ltd., and the like.
   2. (b) The addition or deletion of an article or conjunction from the name, such as "the," "a," or "and."
   3. (c) The use of a plural.
   4. (d) The use of a geographic designator after the association's name. In the case of affiliates using the same name with a geographic or other designator, written consent will be required from the parent or affiliate.
   5. (e) The abbreviation of a word in the same name.
   6. (f) The substitution of a symbol for a word or vice versa.
   7. (g) The use of the terms "realty," "real estate," "group," "realtors," or "firm."
3. (3) A real estate firm shall not advertise in any manner using a name which has not been licensed by the department. A bona fide franchisee may be licensed using the name of the franchisor with the firm name of the franchisee.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.85.041 and chapter 18.85 RCW. WSR 18-23-063, § 308-124A-815, filed 11/16/18, effective 12/17/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.85.041. WSR 13-14-077, § 308-124A-815, filed 7/1/13, effective 8/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.85.040 and 18.85.041. WSR 10-06-078, § 308-124A-815, filed 3/1/10, effective 7/1/10.]