trademark
/ˈtreɪdˌmɑːrk/A legally registered symbol, word, phrase, design, or combination that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services from those of others.
The company filed a trademark for its new logo to protect its brand identity.
The company registered its new logo as a trademark to safeguard its brand identity.
Trademarks are protected by intellectual property laws and can be enforced against infringement.
A distinctive feature or characteristic that is uniquely associated with a person, brand, or product.
His confident smile is his trademark.
His confident smile is his signature trait.
In informal usage, 'trademark' can refer to any distinctive or recognizable feature, not just legal trademarks.
Collocations
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Legal vs. Informal Usage
Be mindful of the context when using 'trademark'—it has both legal and informal meanings.
⚡Gold Rule
Trademark Registration
To legally protect a trademark, it must be registered with the appropriate government authority.
📖Word Origin
From 'trade' (commerce) + 'mark' (sign or symbol). First used in the 19th century to describe distinctive signs used by merchants.
📝Usage Notes
In legal contexts, 'trademark' refers specifically to registered intellectual property. In everyday language, it can describe any distinctive feature.