Basics
What is the difference between a trading name and a legal name?
Updated 2026-06
The legal name is the registered name of the company. The trading name is the brand it does business under, which can be different and can be shared by others. For checks and payments, always pin down the legal name.
Key facts
- One legal entity can trade under several names.
- A trading name on its own may not identify the right company.
- The NZBN links a trading name back to the legal entity.
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