A trade name is the name under which a company operates. There is therefore a difference between a trade name and a trademark, which is used to distinguish a company's goods and services. Many trade names have been registered with a Chamber of Commerce, including those of well-known companies such as KLM or Douwe Egberts and lesser-known ones of the butchers or the bakery 'up the road'.

By the way - a trade name is not established by registration in the register of a Chamber of Commerce, but by using the name in business transactions for example on letterhead, business cards, in the telephone directory, when answering the telephone, on company vehicles, etc.

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Do you carry a certain trade name and have come across another company using the same trade name? Are you the owner of a trademark and believe that another company infringes your right, because the trademarks are identical or very similar? Please do not hesitate to contact us. Together we can consider ways to find solutions to these problems. De Merkplaats could of course also be of assistance to you if you are approached in relation to alleged trademark or trade name infringement.