Which term describes the use of a business name that is not the legal name of the entity?

The term that describes the use of a business name that is not the legal name of the entity is commonly referred to as an "Assumed Name." This term is used to indicate that a business operates under a name that differs from its registered legal name. It is often required that businesses file for an assumed name or a certificate of assumed name to inform the public of the business's true ownership and to ensure transparency.

Assumed names allow businesses to brand themselves in a way that may be more appealing to their target market while maintaining the legal protections and structure associated with their registered name. This practice is widespread among sole proprietors and partnerships who might choose to operate under a name that reflects their products or services more accurately.

The other terms, while sometimes used interchangeably, can carry different implications depending on the jurisdiction and context. For example, "Trade Name" often refers to the name under which a company conducts business, but it usually denotes a name that has been formally registered and may be synonymous with an assumed name in some areas. "Fictitious Name" is a term that is sometimes used in legal documents or contexts but is less common in everyday business usage. "Business Alias" is not a widely recognized term and does not have the same specific