What is the term for a commercial, legal name under which a company does business?

The term "trade name" refers to the commercial, legal name under which a company operates and markets its products or services. This name is used in the business environment and is often associated with branding and customer recognition. A trade name can be a crucial aspect of a company's identity, distinguishing it in the marketplace from competitors.

Other terms like "brand name" and "product name" may sound similar but have different connotations. A brand name typically refers to the specific identity given to a particular product or service within a trade name, often carrying emotional and quality associations for consumers. On the other hand, a generic name refers to a non-proprietary name used to identify a particular type or class of product, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, rather than a specific brand.

Thus, understanding the distinction and definition of a trade name is essential for recognizing how businesses establish their identities in the commercial sector.