Business name registration is NOT the same as registering a name as a trademark. You will still need to research if the name you want to register is being used by someone else like when registering it as a trademark. However, the similarities end there.

A name that has been trademarked lets you control how that name is used and reserves its use exclusively to you. A registered business name, on the other hand, is required if you are doing business under any name other than your own. Business registration identifies who is operating a business under a name that is not their given/legal name.

However, trademark registration of your business name is vital in obtaining legal protection for your brand and giving you a better opportunity to market your business. A trademark can cover everything from the Nike swoosh symbol, the shape of Coca Cola’s bottles, and Tiffany blue color—all successful examples of trademark value being an asset to your business.