trademark
trademark — noun
1. a distinctive name, word, picture, or other sign that a company puts on its good
a distinctive name, word, picture, or other sign that a company puts on its goods — the law gives the company the sole right to use this sign, and other businesses may not copy it.
The Nike swoosh is one of the most valuable trademarks in the world.
proper-noun trademark as recognizable logo
Sora checked the trademark database before launching his new brand of organic tea.
collocation: trademark database
The company lost the court case because its logo was too similar to an existing trademark.
Shanti registered her clothing label's name as a trademark to stop competitors from copying it.
The toy manufacturer found three unlicensed products that were using its trademark without permission.
- brand
broader term that includes the overall identity and reputation of a company, not just its legal protection
- logo
specifically refers to the visual symbol or design element, not the name
- service mark
similar legal protection but used for services rather than physical products
文法句型
trademark of + [company/owner]
用法筆記
In legal writing, the registered trademark symbol ® indicates an officially registered trademark, while ™ indicates an unregistered one. Common legal terms paired with this sense include trademark infringement, trademark protection, and trademark registration.
常見錯誤
2. a quality, habit, or pattern of behavior so closely linked with a particular per
a quality, habit, or pattern of behavior so closely linked with a particular person or group that people recognize them by it.
Folake's bright orange scarves have become her trademark in the fashion industry.
possessive: [person]'s trademark
A sharp sense of humor is the trademark of the late-night show host Christopher.
the trademark of + [person]
Using simple shapes and bold primary colors is a trademark of that artist's painting style.
The restaurant's trademark is the smoky aroma that hits customers as soon as they walk in.
Lien's cheerful greeting to every regular customer became her trademark at the cafe.
- hallmark
similar meaning but slightly more formal; often used for qualities of institutions rather than individuals
- signature
emphasizes a deliberate, personal style or move that someone is known for
- calling card
informal; a distinctive feature that immediately identifies a person or group
文法句型
[person/thing]'s trademark
the trademark of + [person/thing]
用法筆記
This figurative sense is always singular and typically appears with a possessive noun or phrase ('his trademark,' 'the chef's trademark'). Distinguish it from sense 1: here there is no legal registration — the 'trademark' is simply something people strongly associate with a person or thing.
常見錯誤
trademark — verb
1. to officially register a name, symbol, or design as a trademark so that only the
to officially register a name, symbol, or design as a trademark so that only the owner has the exclusive legal right to use it for a product or service.
The startup decided to trademark both the company name and the product logo.
trademark + direct object (name + logo)
Noa spent two years trying to trademark her recipe for plant-based cheese.
trying to trademark [something]
The court ruled that the company had failed to trademark its product design before the competitor did.
Omar advised the client to trademark the slogan before the advertising campaign launched.
The firm has trademarked the distinct shape of its perfume bottle in over thirty countries.
文法句型
trademark + noun phrase
用法筆記
Trademark (verb) applies to names, symbols, and designs that identify products. Use patent for inventions and copyright for creative works. The past form trademarked is common in business reporting.