handelsnamn

Handelsnamn is a term used in Swedish business law to describe the name under which a company or sole proprietor conducts its business publicly. It is the name customers recognize and see on invoices, advertisements, and other communications, and it may differ from the legal corporate name or personal name of the owner. A handelsnamn serves as the business identity in day-to-day operations while the legal name remains the formal identifier for contracts, filings, and taxation.

Registration and use vary by business form. For a company, the official corporate name is registered in the company register, and a separate handelsnamn can be used if it is distinct from the corporate name and available for registration. For sole proprietors, a firma (business name) can function similarly as a handelsnamn. In all cases, it is advisable to check for existing rights in the name to avoid confusion or infringement, and registration with the relevant authority helps secure exclusive use and public records.

A handelsnamn is distinct from a trademark. While a handelsnamn identifies the business in ordinary commerce, a trademark protects brand identifiers such as logos and word marks in broader contexts and across goods or services. Companies may choose to register both: the handelsnamn for everyday business use and a trademark to secure broader exclusivity and legal remedies.

Practical considerations include ensuring consistent use of the handelsnamn in all communications, clearly listing the legal entity behind the name in formal contexts, and monitoring name conflicts. Changes to the handelsnamn typically require updates with the registering authority and associated public records.