Company & Industry Research

Where to look to determine a company's state of incorporation:

• Publicly Traded Companies - For large, publicly traded companies, you can search their filings through the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) EDGAR database.
• Company Websites - Some companies might provide incorporation details in their "About Us" or "Investor Relations" sections, though this isn't universally available.
• Open Corporates provides legal entity data across 140+ jurisdictions.

Library databases also provide information on the state of incorporation: 

Each state's Secretary of State (or an equivalent department, like the Division of Corporations) is the primary location for finding company registration and incorporation information.

• Searching: Most states provide online search tools on their websites, allowing you to search by company name, registration number, or sometimes even by the registered agent's name.
• Information Available: These searches typically reveal the company's legal name, entity type (corporation, LLC, etc.), incorporation date, current status (active, suspended, etc.), and the registered agent's details. They frequently have Articles of Incorporation, a foundational document filed when a company is formed, and a Certificate of Good Standing, that confirms that a company is incorporated and compliant with state regulations, including tax filings and other requirements. 

Potential Complications

• State of Incorporation vs. Headquarters: A company's headquarters might be in a different state than where it's incorporated (e.g., Google is headquartered in California but incorporated in Delaware).
• Varying Interfaces: Each state's online portal may have a different interface, search options, and display format for information.
• Fees/Accounts: Some states might require registering an account or paying a fee to access detailed information or certified copies of documents like Articles of Incorporation.