The "Certificate of Incorporation" (or sometimes called the Articles of Incorporation) is the document filed with a state government that officially begins the existence of a corporation. The Certificate of Incorporation typically includes:

• The name of the corporation (which has to be cleared with the state)
• The purpose of the corporation (typically "any lawful activity")
• The authorized number of shares of stock
• Whether there is preferred stock
• The name & address of the registered agent for service of process
• Limitations on liability of the directors
• The rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions on any class of stock