A trade name registration, also known as a \"Doing Business As\" (DBA) name, is done at the state level and allows a business to legally operate under that name within that state. However, the registration grants No exclusive rights<\/strong> or prevents other parties from using the same name.<\/p>\n In short:<\/strong><\/p>\n One Trademark registration<\/strong> is the application and nationwide registration of a trademark (figurative mark, word mark) with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), granting the owner exclusive rights to use that mark for certain products\/services. A Brand name registration<\/strong> on the other hand, is merely the registration of a business name at state level, which does not confer any exclusive nationwide rights.<\/p>\n The requirements for registering a brand name vary from Federal state<\/a> from state to state. As a rule, an application must be submitted to the relevant state authority (e.g. Secretary of State Office or Department of Revenue) and a fee paid. Some states require all businesses operating under a name other than the legal name of the owners to register a trade name. Other states require this only for certain business structures such as corporations and LLCs.<\/p>\n Brand name registrations are usually valid for a certain period of time (e.g. 1-5 years) and must be renewed regularly by paying a renewal fee.<\/p>\n A brand name registration is fundamentally different from a trademark registration:<\/p>\n A trademark registration is done at the state level, while a federal trademark registration is filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).<\/p>\n A trademark registration only allows that business name to be used within that state, but does not grant exclusive rights. A trademark registration, on the other hand, gives the owner exclusive nationwide rights to use that mark in connection with its goods\/services and protects against the use of the same or similar marks by others.<\/p>\n The \u00ae symbol may only be used for trademarks that are registered with the USPTO. A mere brand name registration does not authorize the use of this symbol, only the Symbols \u2122 for brands<\/a> and \u2120 for service brands.<\/p>\n While a brand name registration only allows the use of a specific business name within a state, a trademark registration provides broader, nationwide legal protection of the brand as a trademark. Many businesses register their brand name as both a state trademark and a federal trademark.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\tRequirements for registration<\/h3>\n
Period of validity and renewal<\/h3>\n
Registration<\/strong> vs. registration<\/h2>\n
\n
State vs. federal level<\/h2>\n
Scope of rights<\/h3>\n
Using the \u00ae symbol<\/h3>\n
Was this useful?<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t