Definition

1. Noun:

   • A legally registered symbol, name, or word: A trademark is a distinctive sign used by a business to legally identify the source of its products or services and to distinguish them from those of others.
   • A distinctive characteristic: A trademark can also refer to a feature or behavior that is typical of and uniquely identifies a particular person or thing.

2. Verb:

   • To register a trademark: The act of legally securing exclusive rights to a brand identifier.
   • To mark with a brand or trademark: The act of applying a trademark to a product.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The company's logo is a registered trademark.
  • His sense of humor is his personal trademark.

• Verb:

  • The company decided to trademark its new slogan.
  • They trademarked the product with a unique symbol.

Advanced Usage

• "To become someone's trademark": To become a characteristic strongly associated with a person.

  • That wide-brimmed hat has become her trademark.

• "Common law trademark rights": Rights established through use in commerce, even without formal registration.

  • They had trademark rights based on years of prior use in the region.

Variants and Related Words

• Trademarked (adj): Legally protected as a trademark.

  • The trademarked phrase cannot be used by competitors.

• Trademarking (n/gerund): The process of registering a trademark.

  • The trademarking process can take several months.

Synonyms

• Noun: Brand, logo, emblem, hallmark, signature.
• Verb: Brand, register, label.

Related Phrases

• Registered trademark (®): A trademark that has been officially registered with a government authority.

  • Look for the ® symbol next to a registered trademark.

• Trademark infringement: The unauthorized use of a trademark.

  • The company sued for trademark infringement.

Idioms

• "A trademark of quality": Something that signifies a high standard.
  • Meticulous craftsmanship is a trademark of quality for that brand.

Noun

1. a formally registered symbol identifying the manufacturer or distributor of a product
2. a distinctive characteristic or attribute

Verb

1. register the trademark of
   • The company trademarked their new gadget
2. mark with a brand or trademark
   • when this product is not branded it sells for a lower price