{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/trade-name","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/trade-name","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"trade-name","term":"Trade name","group":"Reading the business","definition":"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":"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.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/trade-name","official_sources":[],"related":[{"slug":"goodwill","term":"Goodwill","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/goodwill"},{"slug":"intangible-asset","term":"Intangible asset","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/intangible-asset"},{"slug":"asset-purchase","term":"Asset purchase","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/asset-purchase"},{"slug":"trade-secret","term":"Trade secret","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/trade-secret"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"How does an SBA 7(a) loan get its name, \"7(a)\"?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/how-does-an-sba-7-a-loan-get-its-name-7-a"},{"question":"What does the \"7(a)\" part of an SBA loan name mean?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/what-does-the-7-a-part-of-an-sba-loan-name-mean"},{"question":"What does the '7(a)' in an SBA loan program name signify?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/what-does-the-7-a-in-an-sba-loan-program-name-signify"},{"question":"Can an SBA 7(a) working capital loan be used to pay off seller's outstanding trade payables?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/can-an-sba-7-a-working-capital-loan-be-used-to-pay-off-seller-s-outstanding-trade-payables"},{"question":"What does the '7(a)' in the SBA loan program name actually stand for?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/what-does-the-7-a-in-the-sba-loan-program-name-actually-stand-for"},{"question":"Can a 7(a) loan finance the purchase of intangible assets like customer lists or trade secrets in a business acquisition?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/can-a-7-a-loan-finance-the-purchase-of-intangible-assets-like-customer-lists-or-trade-secr"}]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — Trade name","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/trade-name","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}