FAQs – Trademark
What is a trade name?
A “trade name” is the name of a business. It may or may not be the same as a trademark that identifies a product of that business. For example, “Cadillac” is a trademark for automobiles made by a company whose trade name is “General Motor Corporation”, “FORD” is a trademark for automobiles made by a company whose trade name is “Ford Motor Company.” Corporate names are the most widely used form of trade name. A trade name may or may not be the legal name under which a business is registered in its sate of incorporation. A trade name does not have the same legal status as a trademark.