(1) A foreign limited liability partnership transacting business in this state may not maintain an action or proceeding in this state unless it has in effect a registration as a foreign limited liability partnership.

     (2) The failure of a foreign limited liability partnership to have in effect a registration as a foreign limited liability partnership does not impair the validity of a contract or act of the foreign limited liability partnership or preclude it from defending an action or proceeding in this state.

     (3) A limitation on personal liability of a partner is not waived solely by transacting business in this state without registration as a foreign limited liability partnership.

     (4) If a foreign limited liability partnership transacts business in this state without a registration as a foreign limited liability partnership, the secretary of state is its agent, as set forth under RCW 25.05.589, for service of process with respect to a right of action arising out of the transaction of business in this state.

[2009 c 437 § 12; 1998 c 103 § 1203.]