Definition and Examples of Trademark

A trademark is a distinctive word, phrase, symbol, or design that identifies a product or service and is legally owned by its manufacturer or inventor. Abbreviation, TM. In formal writing, as a general rule, trademarks should be avoided unless specific products or services are being discussed. Exceptions are sometimes made when a trademark (for example, Taser) is better known than its generic equivalent (electroshock weapon).The website of the International Trademark Association [INTA] includes a guide to the proper use of more than 3,000 trademarks registered in the U.S. According to the INTA, a trademark should always be used as an adjective qualifying a generic noun that defines the product or service [for example, Ray-Ban sunglasses, not Ray-Bans]. . . . As adjectives, marks should not be used as plurals or in the possessive form, unless the mark itself is plural or possessive (such as 1-800-FLOWERS, MCDONALD’S or LEVI’S). Examples and Observations Band-AidChap StickCrock-PotDolbyFormicaFreonFrisbeeHacky SackHooverJacuzziJeepJet SkiKleenexLoaferLycraMaceNaugahydePlaybillPopsicleRollerbladeSkivviesSporkTaserTeletypeVaselineVelcroWindbreaker Originally trademarks, these common names are now regarded as generic names: aspirinbundt cakecellophanedittodry iceescalatorgranolaheroinkerosenelinoleumLPminibikenylonpogosticktarmacthermostouch-tonetrampolinewedgieyo-yozipper