trademark

1 of 2

noun

trade·​mark ˈtrād-ˌmärk 

1

: a device (such as a word) pointing distinctly to the origin or ownership of merchandise to which it is applied and legally reserved to the exclusive use of the owner as maker or seller

2

: a distinguishing characteristic or feature firmly associated with a person or thing

wearing his trademark bow tie and derby hat

trademark

2 of 2

verb

trademarked; trademarking; trademarks

transitive verb

: to secure trademark rights for : register the trademark of

Synonyms

Noun

• brand

Examples of trademark in a Sentence

Noun

“Kleenex” is a registered trademark.

Outspokenness has always been his trademark.

Courtesy is the company's trademark.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The pair may look similar to the untrained eye, but the latter 2+2 coupé has a longer wheelbase, a smoother shape and, its trademark, and upturned Kamm tail. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2023

The joint venture in question includes Hall & Oates trademarks, personal name and likeness rights, record royalty income and website and social media assets, the declaration states. —Jonathan Mattise, Fortune, 30 Nov. 2023

Shimizu breathes blues, and jazz, into the song, punctuated with her trademark dynamite runs and big, showy high notes. —Lars Brandle, Billboard, 29 Nov. 2023

California Taco Bell and Taco John’s settle trademark dispute. —Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2023

There is copyright, trademark and patent protection for a reason. —Susan Johnston, Rolling Stone, 14 Nov. 2023

Part of what makes this pic one of the best jewelry organizers is that it’s made with the brand’s trademark LusterLoc fabric inside, which helps prevent your jewelry from tarnishing over decades. —Kristen (kj) Callihan, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Nov. 2023

Besides the big outboards—a South Florida trademark—other giveaways are cooling misters in the cockpit, air conditioning for the helm, oversize fridges and ice makers and—count them—46 cupholders. —Howard Walker, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2023

During two decades in Congress, from 1981 to 2001, Mr. Bliley built an image as an old-style presence, sporting his trademark bow ties, displaying courtly manners and seeking ways to work with Democrats. —Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 18 Nov. 2023

Verb

Earlier this fall, and again this week, reports circulated that BMW had trademarked the name iM3 with the E.U.’s intellectual property office. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2023

Christmas can't be officially trademarked, but historic Grapevine, Texas, just north of Dallas and Fort Worth, has given it a shot. —Jennifer Chappell Smith, Southern Living, 13 Nov. 2023

And, in order for this bourbon to be named Black Friday, Great Lakes had to lease the name from Lakefront Brewery, which trademarked it. —Jeanette Hurt, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023

The Supreme Court sounds ready to rule that a Californian can’t trademark T-shirts with Trump’s name. —Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2023

The Supreme Court arguments Some of justices, namely two appointed by Trump, pointed to the nation's history of restrictions on what can be trademarked, such as geography, descriptions or the names of living people. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 1 Nov. 2023

Several people were shocked that trademarking videos featuring dupes, which are a popular genre of TikTok content, was allowed. —Daysia Tolentino, NBC News, 27 Oct. 2023

Vionic is well-regarded by podiatrists for their thoughtful design and trademarked Three-zone Comfort, and these sneakers are no exception thanks to their significant arch support that’s excellent for extended hours on your feet. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 9 Oct. 2023

An attorney for Gregory's Restaurant & Bar in Somers Point, New Jersey, claimed his client trademarked the term before Taco John's did in the 1970s. —Doc Louallen, USA TODAY, 19 July 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1881, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

trademark

noun

trade·​mark

ˈtrād-ˌmärk

1

: a device (as a word) that points clearly to the origin or ownership of merchandise to which it is applied and that is legally reserved for use only by the owner

2

: something that identifies a person or thing

trademark verb

Medical Definition

trademark

noun

trade·​mark ˈtrād-ˌmärk 

: a device (as a word or mark) that points distinctly to the origin or ownership of merchandise to which it is applied and that is legally reserved for the exclusive use of the owner compare service mark

Legal Definition

trademark

noun

trade·​mark ˈtrād-ˌmärk 

: a mark that is used by a manufacturer or merchant to identify the origin or ownership of goods and to distinguish them from others and the use of which is protected by law see also dilution, infringement, strong mark, weak mark, Trademark Act of 1946 compare copyright, patent, service mark

Note: The Patent and Trademark Office registers trademarks and service marks that are used in interstate commerce or in intrastate commerce that affects interstate commerce. There are also state registration statutes for marks used in intrastate commerce. A trademark or service mark need not be registered for an owner to enforce his or her rights in court. The common law recognizes ownership of a trademark, established by actual and first use of the mark, but it extends only to the areas or markets where the mark is used. Federal registration of a trademark gives rise to a federal cause of action for infringement in addition to the common-law claim. Registration also serves as evidence of the owner's exclusive right to the continuous use and validity of the mark, and as constructive notice to the world of the claim to the mark. To be a valid trademark at common law and for federal registration, a mark must be distinctive; a descriptive mark may become distinctive by acquiring secondary meaning.