(a) Filing.--The articles of amendment of a business corporation shall be filed in the Department of State. See section 134 (relating to docketing statement).
(b) Effectiveness.--Upon the filing of the articles of amendment in the department or upon the effective date specified in the articles of amendment, whichever is later, the amendment shall become effective and the articles of incorporation shall be deemed to be amended accordingly. An amendment shall not affect any existing cause of action in favor of or against the corporation, or any pending action or proceeding to which the corporation is a party, or the existing rights of persons other than shareholders. If the corporate name is changed by the amendment, an action brought by or against the corporation under its former name shall not be abated for that reason.