CAC Registration vs Trademark Registration

Written by: Admin      Posted On: 2025-11-22 15:41:41

What’s the Difference and Why Do You Need Both?

If you’ve ever launched a business in Nigeria (or plan to), you’ve probably heard these two buzzwords thrown around: CAC registration and trademark registration. They sound similar but they actually serve very different purposes.

Let’s break it down in simple terms :

CAC Registration :

Registering with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is basically your business’s birth certificate. It legally recognizes your business as an entity in Nigeria — whether as a business name, limited liability company, or incorporated trustee.

Why it matters:

It allows you to open a corporate bank account.

You can legally operate and sign contracts.

Your business name becomes protected within CAC’s database (but not beyond that).

It gives your brand credibility — clients take you more seriously.

Trademark Registration:

While CAC registration gives your business existence, trademark registration protects your brand identity.

It’s handled by the Trademarks, Patents and Designs Registry (under the Ministry of Trade and Investment), not CAC.

Here’s what a trademark covers:

Your logo, name, slogan, or unique design that represents your brand.

It prevents anyone else from using something confusingly similar.

You can take legal action against copycats.

It builds brand value — especially when you scale or expand internationally.

A lot of entrepreneurs stop after CAC registration, thinking they’re fully protected,  but here’s the catch - CAC ensures no one else uses your exact business name, but it doesn't stop someone from using a similar brand name, logo, or slogan.

If you’re building a brand with long-term goals, don’t stop halfway.

At VeinsNG, we help you handle both processes —accurately, in record and stress-free.

Send us a message today to secure your business name and your brand identity.