An action shall be prosecuted by or against a corporation or similar entity in its corporate name.
Rule 2177.Actions by and against a corporation or similar entity.
Adopted November 26, 1943 · Last amended April 18, 1975 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2177 has a corporation or similar entity sue and be sued in its corporate name.
Full Text of Rule 2177
Plain-English Summary
A corporation is a legal person and litigates as itself. This rule provides that an action is prosecuted by or against a corporation or similar entity in its corporate name, so the entity is the named party rather than its officers or shareholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a corporation sue or get sued?
In its corporate name.
Official Note
Official Note: Adopted November 26, 1943, effective August 1, 1944; amended April 18, 1975, effective immediately, 5 Pa.B. 1820.
Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation
of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as: corporation suessue a corporationcorporate name party