idem sonans

Main Entry: idem so·nans
Pronunciation: -'sO-"nanz, -"nänz
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin, sounding the same
: relating to or being two names having the same or similar pronunciation or sound idem sonans —Johnson v. Estelle, 704 Federal Reporter, Second Series 232 (1983)> idem sonans test> —compare MISNOMER
NOTE: An idem sonans name allows a pleading or other document (as a warrant) to be considered valid despite the minor misspelling of a name or other misidentification of a party (as in identifying a corporation as a partnership). The fact that two trademarks are idem sonans may be used to establish the likelihood of confusion on the part of consumers in a trademark infringement case.