Use of the word "engineering" in company name 5

[Dave K]

I'm wondering about the use of the word "engineering", in a corporate name. I am assuming (and also searching the state statutes) that the word "engineering", as in "Acme Engineering, Inc."(intended to be a fictional name, as an example only) implies that the company does engineering for the public, and therefore has an licensed PE on staff.

Is that generally the case? ie use of the word "engineering' requires a PE license? and is there a better source to confirm this online? currently I'm sifting thru the Florida state statutes, and trying to decipher the legal speak.

Thanks,

-Dave
Everything should be designed as simple as possible, but not simpler.

 

[boffintech]

I was going through some job postings on a company's web site and noticed that the contact info was:

Contact
Mr. Jim X. Smith, Principal Engineering President

I know the company and this guy is not a PE so what a weird way to sign his name.

 

[BigH]

Haggas - but you can't use the term "engineering" in your company name unless you have the license. - that was the original post question.

 

[davidinindy]

I worked for a company for 10 years called "(name ommited) Engineering, Inc.". We designed plastic injection molds and products. There was not a licensed engineer on staff, and as far as I know, never was.
I always was carefull not to call myself an engineer, rather a designer.
This comes down to variation of the same old questions:
Can you engineer something, yet not be an engineer?
What is the difference between engineering and designing?


David

 

[jsummerfield]

The rules became much tougher in Texas in 1992. Different rules apply to different states - and the rules change frequently in Texas.

John

 

[CRACKKILZ]

In the Airline/Aerospace Engineering field the FAA delegates certain engineering functions to private individuals. One such delegation is called a DER or Delegated Engineering Representative. Many DERs do consulting work for private organizations. A DER has delegated authority to approve engineering data in support of major repairs and alterations on behalf of the administrator. Can anyone comment on whether or not this person would be able to have the word "engineering" in their company name? Bear in mind that this is a federally recognized delegation with each DER having an indivual designation number.

 

[zdas04]

That is easy--the feds don't license, regulate, or control engineering qualifications. The FAA can call anyone anything that they want. States determine what it takes to call yourself an "engineer" within their jurisdiction. If I was a "DER" without a PE I definately would not put the DER tag on my business card with a Texas address.

Heck, the US Navy called me an Engineer at 19 years old with a high-school diploma because I worked in an engine room. I don't think that California would have thought much of my putting that federal designation on a business card with a California address.

David

 

[RDK]

I have engineering in my company name.

Here in Manitoba registering such a name requires the permission of the local professional association. This was quickly granted based on my signing a formal agreement that the company had to employ and be under the management of a professional engineer. If the management of the firm was changed to include a majority ownership or control by a non engineer then the agreement requires that I change the firm’s name.

Since I know the people at the association personally (went to school with some of them) I asked if they ever have any trouble enforcing this. They told me no problem; they simply would write to the company registrar’s office and have the company delisted in a matter of days if they ever came upon a violation.


Delisting a company has extreme tax and liability imp0olications for the owner.



Rick Kitson MBA P.Eng

Construction Project Management
From conception to completion

http://www.kitsonengineering.com