trademark
The company registered its logo as a trademark to protect its brand identity.
This shows how trademarks legally protect brand symbols.
A legally registered symbol, word, or design that identifies and distinguishes a brand or product.
Apple's bitten apple logo is one of the most recognizable trademarks in the world.
This highlights how trademarks help consumers identify products.
Trademarks prevent others from using similar marks that could cause confusion.
A distinctive feature or characteristic that makes something stand out.
The restaurant's unique ambiance is its trademark.
Here, 'trademark' refers to a defining quality, not a legal registration.
In informal contexts, 'trademark' can describe any distinctive trait, not just legal symbols.
Collocations
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Legal vs. Informal Use
In legal contexts, 'trademark' refers to registered symbols. Informally, it can describe any distinctive trait.
Gold Rule
Registration Requirement
A trademark must be legally registered to be enforceable.
Word Origin
From 'trade' (commerce) + 'mark' (symbol), first used in the 19th century to denote brand protection.
Usage Notes
In legal contexts, 'trademark' refers to registered intellectual property. Informally, it describes any distinctive feature.