Trademark Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Trademark, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Trademark?

a word,phrase,distinctive design,symbols,logos etc which identify the goods of one manufacturer from the goods of others.they are like business assets as they help the companies in creating the reputation of their products with that of its competitors.It helps the consumers to identify the products and avoids confusion.

History and Meaning of Trademark

The concept of a trademark dates back to ancient times when craftsmen put identifiable marks on their products to differentiate them from products made by others. In modern times, the purpose of a trademark remains the same: to differentiate the goods or services of one entity from those of another. A trademark is a unique symbol, design, word, phrase, or combination of these elements that identifies a specific product or service and distinguishes it from the products and services of its competitors. The trademark serves as an asset of the company that owns it and helps establish a reputation for quality and distinctiveness.

Examples of Trademark

  1. The Nike swoosh symbol is a famous trademark that is recognized across the globe.

  2. The Coca-Cola company has a trademarked logo that is familiar to everyone.

  3. The phrase "Just do it" is a trademarked slogan of Nike.

  4. The yellow arches of McDonald's are a registered trademark.

  5. The Apple logo is a trademark of the Apple corporation.

Legal Terms Similar to Trademark

  1. Patent: A patent is a type of intellectual property that gives the holder the right to exclude others from making, using, or selling their invention for a limited period.

  2. Copyright: Copyright protects original works of authorship that are fixed in a tangible form of expression.

  3. Trade Secret: A trade secret is any confidential formula, process, strategy, or other information that is used in business and gives the owner a competitive advantage.