R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 6-13.1 § 6-13.1-9
Forfeiture of corporate franchise
Operative Text
Upon petition by the attorney general, the superior court may, in its discretion, order the dissolution or suspension or forfeiture of franchise of any corporation that violates the terms of an injunction issued under § 6-13.1-5.
Rhode Island General Laws § 6-13.1-9 establishes a judicial remedy that goes beyond monetary penalties: when a corporation violates a court injunction issued under the state's deceptive trade practices law, a court has the power to dissolve the company, suspend its operations, or strip it of its corporate franchise. This remedy is not automatic — it requires the state's attorney general to petition the superior court, which then exercises its own discretion in deciding whether to impose such a consequence. The provision reflects the legislature's intent to give courts a powerful tool for addressing serious or repeated corporate misconduct.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property management companies and corporate landlords operating in Rhode Island should be aware that § 6-13.1-9 creates a significant risk for corporate entities that disregard injunctions issued under the state's consumer protection framework. A compliant corporate operator generally ensures that any court orders arising from deceptive trade practice proceedings are strictly followed, since violations can trigger attorney general action seeking dissolution or franchise forfeiture. Corporate governance practices that include legal compliance monitoring and prompt response to regulatory orders are consistent with avoiding the most severe consequences this provision contemplates.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For tenants dealing with corporate landlords engaged in deceptive or unfair practices, § 6-13.1-9 represents one of the strongest remedies available under Rhode Island law — the potential dissolution or suspension of a corporate entity that defies a court injunction. While individual tenants cannot directly invoke this provision, it is enforced through the Rhode Island Attorney General's office, which tenants or tenant-rights organizations may contact to report ongoing violations of existing injunctions. Understanding this provision can inform decisions about which agencies or advocacy groups to approach when a corporate landlord appears to be flouting a court order under the state's deceptive trade practices law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation