Trade name

A trade name is a name used by a business to identify itself in transactions, bank accounts and filings with state government. All but three states -- Maine, Nevada and Wyoming -- require an abbreviation indicating the corporate status of the business in its official corporate name, such as "Inc." or "Corp." Most states also forbid choosing a trade name that implies a purpose different from the actual stated purpose of the company.

A trade name should not be confused with a trademark, which is used to sell a particular good or service.