PDA

View Full Version : Trade name v.s. business name v.s. trademark


steppinthrax
08-04-2015, 03:32 PM
Ok here's goes, I'm in the process of establishing a business within the State of Maryland. My business name is not my name but it's a fully spelled out acronym of three words. It is not fully registered yet. Yet I see information that I also need to specify a trade name. So I guess my question is do I have to specify a trade name or can I just use my business name. My situation is similar to this example below.

I'm registering my business name as...

International Business Machines LLC.

However I will commonly use the following within documents etc...

IBM, L.L.C.

In addition I see that I need to register a trademark. I did some quick search and found that the trademark that I"m intending to use does not exist. So I guess my trademark is simply the logo that I intend to use that represents my business correct?

Thanks
Fulcrum
08-04-2015, 05:49 PM
Yeah, I don't see IBM (the computer company) allowing you to use the acronym IBM nor the name "International Business Machines LLC".

Also, would your logo be the letters IBM with white/blank stripes in it?
Harold Mansfield
08-04-2015, 05:59 PM
Yeah, I don't see IBM (the computer company) allowing you to use the acronym IBM nor the name "International Business Machines LLC".

Also, would your logo be the letters IBM with white/blank stripes in it?

I think he was using that as an example.

If I understand what the OP is asking, he's wondering if he needs a trademark for both the full name and the acronym that he'd be doing business as.
steppinthrax
08-05-2015, 12:35 AM
I think he was using that as an example.

If I understand what the OP is asking, he's wondering if he needs a trademark for both the full name and the acronym that he'd be doing business as.

Yes, Thank You. I was only using IBM as an example since my business name will be abbreviated for much of it's use, similar to IBM. My question was would I need to get a trade name as IBM and the business name would be spelled out (i.e. International Business Machines).

I think I got my answer anyway.

Apparently from contacting SDAT (State Department Taxations), the trade name is optional. As a matter of fact some people may have a business name and register several trade names that operates under that business name (didn't know this until today).