What is the difference between a domain name, a company name and a trademark?

It is important to understand the different elements that contribute to a company's identity. Domain names, company names, and trademarks are three key components. They have different functions and different legal protections. Let's take a closer look at what sets them apart.

Domain name, company name and trademark

  • Domain name is your website address
  • Company name is the legal name of the company
  • Trademark is the symbol, name or logo that identifies and protects your brand

By understanding the differences, you can build a strong and legally protected brand.

Domain name

A domain name is the unique address of a website on the internet. It consists of a sequence of letters and/or numbers that ends with a top-level domain, such as .com, .no, or .org.

A domain name is the address you type into your browser to access your website. It allows customers and partners to find your business online.

What protection does a domain name provide?

A domain name does not necessarily give you exclusive rights to a particular name, as many people can register similar names under different top-level domains. It is important to note that domain names can be registered independently of a trademark or company name.

Company name

The company name is the legal name of a company that is registered in the Brønnøysund Register Centre. It identifies the company in public registers, tax documents, contracts and other formal contexts.

What protection does a company name provide?

Once a company name is registered, it is protected in Norway. It prevents other companies from registering an identical or confusingly similar name in the same industry. The protection is limited to the geographical area where the business operates.

Trademark

A trademark is a symbol, name, term, design, or a combination of these, that distinguishes the goods or services of one supplier from those of others. A trademark represents your brand.

Trademarks are used to protect a brand and make it recognizable to consumers. They are used on products, packaging, advertising, and other marketing to distinguish them from competitors.

What protection does a trademark provide?

Trademarks grant the exclusive right to use the registered symbol or name for the specific goods or services specified in the registration. The protection applies in the countries where the trademark is registered, and it can be extended as long as the trademark continues to be used and maintained.

What should you register?

Because domain names, company names, and trademarks have different purposes and protections, you should register all three to ensure that no one misuses your name or logo. It may be smart to register the domain first, and then the others.

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