How to Find Company Information in California

The public may access certain information relating to business entities including corporations, limited liability companies (LLC), limited partnerships (LP), general partnerships and limited liability partnerships (LLP) of record with the California Secretary of State through the state’s online portal. https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/.

The following company information in California may be available:

• Business Search: The California Secretary of State's website provides a Business Search feature, which allows the public to search for information on registered corporations, LLCs, LPs, and LLPs. You can search for companies by name, business number, or other identifying information.
• Corporate and Business Filings: The California Secretary of State's office also maintains a database of corporate and business filings, which includes information on entity formation, amendments, mergers, and dissolutions. You can access these filings online or by visiting the Secretary of State's office in person.
• Business Name Availability Search: If you are searching for information on a specific company name, you can use the California Secretary of State's Business Name Availability Search tool.
• California Business Portal: The California Business Portal provides a centralized location for business owners and entrepreneurs to access information and resources related to starting, running, and growing a business in California. The portal includes information on entity formation, licenses and permits, taxes, and other business-related topics.

Some of the above information may be subject to restrictions or redactions to protect individual privacy or other legal interests. Additionally, some documents or filings may require a fee or may only be available to authorized individuals or entities.

Copies of documents filed with the California Secretary of State, including but not limited to, articles of incorporation, bylaws/operating agreements, registration, amendments, statement of information (similar to annual reports), certificates of good standing, dissolution, merger and withdrawal documents may be obtained through the state’s online portal.

The public may access information regarding trademark registrations and modifications of record with the California Secretary of State, including free .pdf copies of imaged trademark documents. https://tmbizfile.sos.ca.gov/Search

In addition, the public may obtain copies of recorded financing statements pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code, free of charge, filed with the California Secretary of State. https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/ucc

The public may verify whether or not an entity is in good standing with the California Franchise Tax Board and obtain an entity status letter at no cost. https://www.ftb.ca.gov/help/business/entity-status-letter.asp

Yes, it is possible to obtain information on pending litigation against a company, its shareholders, or legal representatives in California. However, available information will depend on the type of case. Each California state court has a unique online search system to look up pending litigation against a company, its shareholders, or legal representatives. Here are some ways to access information on pending litigation:

• Superior Court Records: The Superior Courts in California maintain records of court proceedings, including those related to civil litigation. These records may include pleadings, motions, orders, and other documents filed by the parties in the case. The public can access these records by visiting the court's clerk's office or through the court's online portal.
• Federal Court Records: Federal Courts, including California Federal Courts, utilize a unified search system called Pacer (Public Access to Courts Electronic Records) via the website https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ In order to access public records, you will need to create an account.
• Public Records Act Requests: Under the California Public Records Act (CPRA), the public can request access to public records, including those related to pending litigation. However, certain types of records may be exempt from disclosure under the CPRA.

Please note that some documents or information related to pending litigation may be subject to restrictions or redactions to protect individual privacy or other legal interests. Additionally, some information may only be available to authorized individuals or entities.

Arbitration on the other hand is private and it is not possible to obtain information on pending arbitration.

You may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in litigation and is licensed in the California for guidance on how to obtain information specific to your needs.