The procedure whereby a person formalises the use of a name other than their birth or married name.• Adoption• Change of Name

When there is a name change of a party appearing on a document (deed, etc.), it may be reflected in several ways, such as: (1) mary smith, a married woman, w.a.t.a. (who acquired title as) mary jones, an unmarried woman. (2) mary smith, aka (also known as) mary jones. (3) mary smith, formerly mary jones. (4) mary smith, alias mary jones. Each may be applicable in different circumstances (how and why the name was changed).

A change to the name of a person or entity by way of alteration, substitution, addition or amalgamation.

Context is: trademark term. Sometimes, owners of trademark applications and registrations change their names, even though the actual ownership of the application or registration has not been transferred. When this occurs, trademark owners should record the name change with the USPTO Assignment Branch to maintain a clear record of ownership. Name changes are recorded in the same manner as assignments. For information on how to record an assignment, -- see Recordation Form Cover Sheet.

A companyâ€(tm)s decision to change its name.