RCW 62A.8-201: Issuer.

(1) With respect to an obligation on or a defense to a security, an "issuer" includes a person that: (a) Places or authorizes the placing of its name on a security certificate, other than as authenticating trustee, registrar, transfer agent, or the like, to evidence a share, participation, or other interest in its property or in an enterprise, or to evidence its duty to perform an obligation represented by the certificate; (b) Creates a share, participation, or other interest in its property or in an enterprise, or undertakes an obligation, that is an uncertificated security; (c) Directly or indirectly creates a fractional interest in its rights or property, if the fractional interest is represented by a security certificate; or (d) Becomes responsible for, or in place of, another person described as an issuer in this section. (2) With respect to an obligation on or defense to a security, a guarantor is an issuer to the extent of its guaranty, whether or not its obligation is noted on a security certificate. (3) With respect to registration of a transfer, issuer means a person on whose behalf transfer books are maintained.