A business can have both a legal or registered name as well as a trade name. Learn about trade names vs. business names and how to use them the right way. A trade name, also known as a trading name, business name or operating name, is a pseudonym used by companies and other organizations that do not operate under their registered legal name. [1][2] Registering the trade name with a relevant government body is often required. A trademark can protect the name of your business, goods, and services at a national level. Trademarks prevent others in the same (or similar) industry in the United States from using your trademarked names. For example, if you were an electronics company and wanted to call your business Springfield Electronic Accessories and one of your products Screen Cover 5000, trademarking those names. Guide to what is Trade Name. We explain it with example, differences with business name and trademark, who can register & benefits. How trademarks and trade names differ What is a trademark? What is a trade name? A trademark is any word, name, symbol, design, or combination of these that identifies the source of your goods or services and distinguishes them from the goods or services of another owner. It provides legal protection for your brand. Discover key differences between trade names and trademarks, their legal roles, and why registration matters for business branding and protection. Knowing the difference between a trade name and a business name is important. Here’s what you need to know. Learn what a trade name is, how it differs from a trademark, and how to legally register your DBA to protect your business identity across states. A search you complete before applying for a trademark registration to make sure your trademark is available to register for your particular goods or services, and to make sure that no other trademark conflicts with it. Read about the difference between trademarks and trade names, which are used to identify a business and can be protected if they are distinctive.