introduction
Many business owners, especially at the beginning, assume that if the Registrar of Companies has approved their company name, and if they have purchased a matching domain – they “own the rights” to the name. But the legal reality is different: a company name, an Internet domain, and a trademark are three different concepts, each of which grants a different type of right – and they are not interchangeable.
In this article, we will explain the differences between them, review the protections each provides, and examine what steps are required to truly protect your brand.
What is a trademark?
Trademark A trademark is a graphic, verbal, or other visual sign (such as a logo or slogan) that identifies the source of a product or service.
For example: the name Nike, the logo of Apple Or the slogan: "Just do it."
The legal right is acquired when the mark is registered with the Trademark Authority. Registering a trademark grants its owner Exclusivity in the use of the mark For certain types of products/services, and the ability To enforce the right against violators.
A trademark – what does it give?
- Exclusive right throughout the country to use the mark in the specific field
- Ability to file a lawsuit for trademark infringement
- Proprietary status – the right to use the license can be sold or granted.
- Public warning to others – using the ® mark
Important to know:
- A trademark is not automatically registered – an application must be submitted to the Trademark Registrar.
- Registering a company name or domain Does not constitute a trademark registration.
What is a company name?
Company name It is the name under which the company is registered in the Israeli Companies Registry.
For example: "Green Ltd.", "A.A. Software Solutions Ltd."
This is a legal name, the purpose of which is to allow for unique identification of the corporation in the government database.
Company name – what does it give?
- Official identification of the company with the state, banks, tax authorities, etc.
- Prevents registration of Exactly the same name By another company
Important to know:
- There is no protection against similar use. – Other companies can register similar names.
- The Registrar of Companies does not check whether the name infringes the rights of registered trademarks.
- Company name registration Does not grant commercial exclusivity – There may already be a registered trademark for the same name.
What is a domain?
Domain (domain name) It is the address of a website, for example: www.green-tech.co.il.
Registration is done through Private providers who have received authorization from the central registrar to manage domain names. For example, in Israel, the authorized body for registering the .il extension is Israeli Internet Association, but the public actually registers through private registrars like DomainTheNet, Box, or LiveDNS.
With global extensions like .com, .net, or .org, registration is done through international registrars such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains, overseen by ICANN.
The main rule: first come first served – Whoever purchases the domain first keeps it as long as they continue to renew the registration on time.
Domain – what does it give?
- Control over a specific website address
- Unique digital identity as long as the domain is valid
Important to know:
- Domain registration Does not provide legal protection in the sense of a trademark.
- A person can register a domain containing a name similar to your business name – unless you intervene legally.
- A domain transfer can be requested in the event of: Misleading use, but this requires proof of prior right (e.g., a registered trademark).
Common risks
❌ Assuming that the company name protects you from competitors
❌ Register a domain without checking prior rights
❌ Launch a brand without checking if there is a similar registered mark
❌ Start expensive marketing and branding – then discover that a "trademark infringement" has occurred
How do you really protect the brand?
✅ Perform an early trademark search
Search the trademark database for similar names, even with different spellings or in English. This way you will avoid infringement and can register your mark safely.
✅ Register your trademark
Name, logo, slogan – everything that is essential to brand identity. This is the basis of any real legal protection.
✅ Combine the listed
Optimal protection will combine:
- Registered company name
- Registered trademark
- Suitable domain
Summary
Company name, domain and trademark – three different entities, with different meanings:
| component | purpose | Provides commercial legal protection? |
|---|---|---|
| Company name | Official legal identity for the company | ❌ Not to third parties |
| domain | Website address | ❌ Only on the specific name |
| Trademark | Protected commercial identification | ✅ Yes, if duly registered |
If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, or brand builder – don’t settle for just registering a company name or domain. Just register Trademark Will give you full control and real protection.
