Glossary · Reading the business
Trade name
In short
This is the name a business operates under, distinct from its legal entity name. It's what customers recognize and associate with the brand.
What it means in a deal
A strong trade name can contribute to a business's goodwill and brand equity. During your purchase, ensure the trade name is properly transferred, along with any associated intellectual property like trademarks or domain names. Confirm there are no conflicting uses or pending registrations that could impact your operations.
Related terms
Common questions about Trade name
- How does an SBA 7(a) loan get its name, "7(a)"?
- What does the "7(a)" part of an SBA loan name mean?
- What does the '7(a)' in an SBA loan program name signify?
- Can an SBA 7(a) working capital loan be used to pay off seller's outstanding trade payables?
- What does the '7(a)' in the SBA loan program name actually stand for?
- Can a 7(a) loan finance the purchase of intangible assets like customer lists or trade secrets in a business acquisition?
Defined by CapBench SBA Intelligence — plain-English definitions for business buyers, lenders, advisors, and AI agents, grounded in public SBA rules and records. Last reviewed 2026-06-15 · Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision. Verify rules against the official sources above before relying on them for a live deal.
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