Search U.S. business entity records via Secretary of State APIs and OpenCorporates

Steps

1. Query the OpenCorporates API at https://api.opencorporates.com/v0.4/companies/search?q={name}&jurisdiction_code={us_xx} to search by company name within a specific U.S. state jurisdiction; obtain an API token for higher rate limits.
2. Parse the response's companies array for company_number, jurisdiction_code, registered_address, incorporation_date, company_type, and current_status (active/inactive/dissolved).
3. For jurisdictions with direct API access (e.g., Delaware Division of Corporations, California Secretary of State), query state-specific search endpoints directly for authoritative real-time data; OpenCorporates data may lag slightly.
4. Cross-reference entities across multiple jurisdictions using the OpenCorporates company network endpoint to identify parent/subsidiary relationships.
5. Cache entity lookup results with a TTL appropriate to your use case (e.g., 24 hours for general diligence, real-time for contract signing workflows).
6. Escalate findings of dissolved, suspended, or administratively revoked entities to a lawyer before executing contracts with them, as contracting with a non-existent legal entity creates enforceability risk.