Mark Definition and Legal Meaning

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

What is Mark?

History and Meaning of Mark

Mark is a commonly used legal term in documents, articles, or any properties to indicate the authorship or ownership of the object or to prove the concurrence and awareness of the person who had made the marks. In its simplest form, a mark can be a signature or a unique symbol representing the author of a document or the maker of an item.

The origin of the word "mark" goes back to the Old English word "mearc," which means a boundary or a border. As time passed, the meaning of the word evolved into representing ownership or authorship. Additionally, the use of marks has become an essential part of legal documentation and the earliest records of marks date back to the Roman Empire.

Examples of Mark

1. John Smith put his mark on the lease to indicate his agreement to the terms of the agreement.
2. Mary Jones signed her mark "MJ" at the bottom of the page indicating her authorship of the document.
3. The artist made a unique mark on each of his paintings to verify their authenticity.
4. In ancient times, craftsmen used their unique mark to identify their work in the event of a dispute.
5. A cattle rancher brands each of his cows with a specific mark to indicate ownership.

Legal Terms Similar to Mark

1. Signature - A legal term used to indicate the signer's identity, authorship or agreement to a legal document.
2. Seal - A legal term used to authenticate a document or legal agreement.
3. Patent - A legal term used to protect the ownership of a particular invention or idea.
4. Copyright - A legal right created to protect the authorship of creative work such as books, music, paintings, etc.
5. Trademark - A legal term used to protect the identity and ownership of a particular brand, logo, or slogan.