Difference Between Brand Name And Trade Mark

The process of branding includes the functions of giving brand name and trademark to any product. However, there are some differences between brand name and trademark. The difference between brand name and trademark can be mentioned as follows:

1. Registration

Any name, word, letter, symbol, design or any sign composed by combining them is called brand. If the same sign is legally registered in the concerned government office, it called trademark.

2. Legal Protection

Trademark is provided legal protection, No other company or firm can use this trademark except the producer or seller, which has got it registered. But brand or any symbol, sign can be used by other firms or competing companies. No legal action can be taken even if any company imitated a brand used by other company.

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3. Scope

All trademark include in brand but all brands may not be trademarks. So, all trademarks are brands, but all brands are not trademarks.

4. Refers To

Brand name refers to the marketing tool that helps to differentiate a product. On the other hand, trademark refers to the legal mechanism that protects the brand.

5. Purpose

The main purpose or objective of brand name is to build recognition and loyalty. But the objective of trademark is to provide protection against unauthorized use of brand symbols, marks, design etc. 

Brand Name Vs Trademark (Comparison Table)

Basis	Brand Name	Trademark
Introduction	Name that helps to identify product	Legally registered word or symbol
Purpose	To provide brand identity	To provide legal protection
Registration	Not compulsory	Required
Scope	Limited	Wider
Example	“Nike”	Logo of Nike

In this way, there is basic difference between trademark and brand. Both of them involve in branding, both of them give identity of products and differentiate from same type products of other companies. But legal protection can be acquired only from registered trademark.