noun
Common
trademark
TRAYD-mahk
Trademark (noun) means a registered word, symbol, or phrase that legally identifies a company's product and sets it apart from competitors. Example: “You cannot copy that name, because the bakery holds the trademark for it.”
noun
1
A registered word, symbol, or phrase that legally identifies a company's product and sets it apart from competitors.
"You cannot copy that name, because the bakery holds the trademark for it."
"The company took legal action against a rival that used its trademark without permission."
"The logo is a registered trademark of the company."
2
A distinctive feature that someone or something is known for.
"Bright yellow boots became the trademark of the cheerful weather presenter."
"Her trademark is a loud laugh that you can hear across the whole room."
"His deadpan humour is his trademark on stage."
verb
1
To legally register something as a trademark.
"Before we sell any bottles, we should trademark the name of our sauce."
"The designer trademarked the pattern so that nobody else could sell copies."
"The startup trademarked its logo before launch."
How to use trademark
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA legally protected brand name or symbol, or someone's signature trait.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
registered trademark
trademark infringement
his trademark style
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Word forms
- Plural
- trademarks
- Third person singular
- trademarks
- Past tense
- trademarked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
You cannot copy that name, because the bakery holds the _____ for it.
Etymology
A compound of "trade" and "mark," describing a mark used to identify goods in trade.
Related words
Rhymes for trademark
See all rhymes for trademark →Frequently asked questions
What does “trademark” mean?
The word “trademark” means a registered word, symbol, or phrase that legally identifies a company's product and sets it apart from competitors. In plain terms, a legally protected brand name or symbol, or someone's signature trait.
How do you pronounce “trademark”?
“Trademark” is pronounced TRAYD-mahk (/ˈtɹeɪdmɑɹk/ in IPA).
How do you use “trademark” in a sentence?
Here is “trademark” used in a sentence: “The logo is a registered trademark of the company.”
What part of speech is “trademark”?
Depending on how it is used, “trademark” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “trademark” a common word?
“Trademark” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “trademark” have?
“Trademark” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a registered word, symbol, or phrase that legally identifies a company's product and sets it apart from competitors.
What is the difference between a trademark and a copyright?
A trademark protects the words, symbols, or phrases that identify a company's products and set them apart from competitors, while a copyright protects original creative works such as books, music, films, and art. They cover different things and are registered through separate legal processes.
What is the difference between a trademark and a brand?
A brand is the overall identity, reputation, and image of a product or company, whereas a trademark is the specific legally protected element — such as a name, logo, or slogan — that represents that brand. A brand is a marketing idea; a trademark is a legal right.
What is the difference between the trademark and registered trademark symbols?
The unregistered trademark symbol can be used on any mark a business claims through use, even if it has not been officially registered, while the registered symbol may only be used once a trademark has been formally registered with a government office. Using the registered symbol on an unregistered mark is generally not permitted.
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