So, should I choose a trade name, a trademark or both?

The use of one does not preclude the use of the other. You can use your trade name as a trademark, if it meets the requirements for a valid trademark, and if you register it as a trademark. If you want to choose between one or the other, take into account the territory where you operate and your preferred level of protection. If you only have a business that operates locally with no intention of expanding further and local/regional protection is enough for you, trade name protection can be sufficient.

If you plan to broaden your operations outside of a specific region, it is definitely worth considering the stronger and broader protection of a trademark. For more information about trademarks click here.

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