Demystifying the Difference between Trademarks, Domain And Company Names

Registering a business name is one crucial step that anyone venturing into the business world should spend a considerable amount of time on. It is not only a requirement by law but also an important step that differentiates you from your competitors. The main legal reason of registering a business name is to ensure that customers are able to access information about the person(s) running the business they are dealing with. Depending on the country’s rules and regulations a certain body is entrusted with this business of registering business names. It is important to note that before registering a business name, the owner has to first check if the business name has been registered by someone else through a company name checker.

Trademark name

However registration does not guarantee the company or business any proprietary rights. Only trademarks can provide that kind of protection i.e. it gives the business rights over who is able to use the business name. This is because the same words may be registered by other people as a business name in other states or territories. Registering a trademark allows the business owner to take legal action if anyone infringes their trademark, especially if the owner is using the name to sell similar goods and services like those covered by the registered trademark category. The trademark distinguishes one’s goods and services from those of other traders. Note that even trademarks have to go through the Trademark Checker to ensure that no other similar trademark has been registered.

Company name

This is also called a registrable body and must be registered just like a business or trademark with the relevant authority in the country. People wishing to trade using a name other than the registered company name should register that trading name as a business name. Company names also don’t guarantee proprietary rights to the owners unless they register a trademark.

Domain name

All computers have unique numbers that distinguish them from each other. These numbers are known as internet protocol address. The IP addresses are difficult to remember hence a domain name is used to match with the internet protocol address. The domain names are used so that customers can easily find specific goods or services. Each website for example has its own distinct domain name distinguishing it from other sites. Most domain names are easy to remember as they are made up of the business name and tend to use a language that customers can recognize.

You will save a lot of time by gathering all of this information beforehand to ensure that you don't make endless trips back and forth.