What is the difference between a trademark and a trade name?

A trademark is a distinctive logo, symbol, word, phrase, or other device used to identify a particular product or service. It helps to distinguish goods or services from those of other businesses and lets consumers know the source of the product or service. A trade name is the name a business uses to identify itself, which can be the same as the company name or product brand name. Trade names are usually registered with the local government and can protect the business from another company using the same name. Trademark law in Washington protects trademarks by preventing the unauthorized use of the same or similar mark by another party. This helps to ensure that both businesses and consumers can trust that products have been produced by the designated company and are the same quality as advertised. Trademarks can also be granted legal protection, even if the party does not register their trademark. The key difference between a trademark and a trade name is the purpose. Trademarks protect consumers from confusion and identify a product or service, while trade names are used to identify and protect the business. A successful trademark is often strong and recognizable, while a successful trade name is often descriptive and memorable.

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What is the difference between a trademark and a trade name?

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