From a definition point of view, a trade name mainly refers to a part of the business name used by operators of production and business activities to express their business names when registering. It is a specific symbol and symbol of factories, shops, companies, groups and other enterprises. name. Simply put, it is the name of the company. A trademark refers to any visible sign that can distinguish one product from other products, including words, graphics, letters, numbers and colors, as well as a combination of the above elements. It is an identification of an enterprise's products or services. .
Trade name and trademark are actually two concepts that are easily confused, because the relationship between the two is very close. Some trademarks can be registered as trade names, and some trade names can also be registered as trademarks. Due to the high similarity between trademark rights and trade name rights, the two are often labeled on the same product. For example, Weilong Food Development Group is a trade name, and Weilong is the trademark of its spicy strip products. Wahaha Group's products with the trademark "Wahaha" include mineral water, milk drinks, etc.
The biggest similarity between the two is that they both have distinctive functions. Both trade names and trademarks can well distinguish one product from other products.
Trademarks are used to distinguish goods or services provided by different commodity producers and operators. They reflect the quality and characteristics of specific goods or services, making it easier for people to recognize the brand for purchase or consumption, and to prevent confusion with others. Confusing goods of the same kind or similar goods and services.
The trade name reflects the specific subject identity and expresses the personality and business nature of the operator. Its purpose is to distinguish one's own business from that of others, so as to avoid being confused with other people's business in various activities. The operators are confused and the public is misunderstood.
Of course, trade names and trademarks, as property rights of an enterprise, are valuable intangible assets. Not only is it exclusive, but it can also be traded and transferred as economic wealth in accordance with the law.
The difference between the two is mainly reflected in the different fields they belong to.
Trademarks are mainly used to distinguish goods, represent the reputation of goods, and must exist in connection with certain specific goods to which they are attached. Trademark rights are a type of intellectual property, so they need to be registered with the Trademark Office to obtain legal protection. For the milk we often drink, some people choose Yili, while others prefer Mengniu. This is the recognition of the brand name when shopping.
Trade names are mainly used to distinguish enterprises. They represent the reputation of manufacturers and must exist in connection with the producers or operators of goods. Trade names belong to name rights, so trade name rights are related to personal or identity. More connected. Just like the instant noodle brands in supermarkets, some are produced by Uni-President Enterprises and some are from Jinmailang Foods.
Furthermore, the validity period of a trademark is ten years. Only when it is renewed can you continue to enjoy the trademark rights. The trade name rights come and go with the enterprise, and there is no time limit. Trademark rights are valid nationwide, while trade name exclusive rights are generally only valid within the jurisdiction of the registration authority, except for national enterprises.
With the continuous improvement of corporate brand awareness, more and more companies are registering their trade names or selected parts as trademarks, or changing registered trademarks and registering them as corporate trade names. Unification and integrated management with business names are indeed an effective way to maximize brand promotion. However, Zhongxiruan Intellectual Property Tips would like to remind everyone that since registered trademarks need to have distinctive features, in many cases some trade names are not suitable and cannot be successfully registered as trademarks.