Using a trading name different from your registered company name? The law requires you to display both on every invoice. Miss this and your contracts might be unenforceable.
What is a Trading Name?
Marketing name different from Companies House registration. "Acme Consulting Ltd" trades as "FastGrowth."
Legal Disclosure Requirements
Every invoice, order form, business letter, website must show registered company name. Trading name alone = breach.
Where to Display
Invoices (both names), website footer, business premises, headed paper. Registered name must be prominent.
Companies House Rules
Can't register trading name at Companies House. Only registered company name matters for legal entities.
Trademark Protection
Trading name CAN be trademarked separately from registered name. Different protection systems.
Warning: Contracts signed with only trading name may not bind the legal entity. Always use registered company name in signatures.
Generic Names Can't Be Trademarked
If you want legal protection and a name competitors can't copy, make it distinctive from day one. This applies to both registered and trading names.