Section 1703.21. Evidence

The license certificate, and any supplemental license certificate, issued under section 1703.01 to 1703.31, inclusive, of the Revised Code, to a foreign corporation, or a copy of such certificate certified by the secretary of state, shall be prima-facie evidence that such corporation has been duly organized, is in existence, and is duly licensed to transact business in this state. Such evidence may be rebutted by a certificate of the secretary of state to the effect that the license of such corporation to transact business in this state has expired or has been and then stands canceled, or otherwise by competent evidence.

In any action or proceeding, civil or criminal, in any court, a copy of the articles of a foreign corporation certified by the secretary of state, or other proper official, of the state under the laws of which such corporation was incorporated shall be prima-facie evidence of the incorporation, existence, and powers of such corporation; but such evidence may be rebutted by a certificate of such secretary of state or other official, or otherwise by competent evidence.

In any such action or proceeding by or against or in any way relating to a corporation incorporated under the laws of any of the states of the United States or of any territory, insular possession, or other political subdivision of the United States, including the District of Columbia, the court shall take judicial notice of the constitution, statutes, and judicial decisions thereof relating to the organization and powers of corporations.

Effective Date: 10-01-1953