trademark

/ˌtreɪdˈmɑrk/

/ˈtreɪdmɑk/

Other forms: trademarks; trademarked; trademarking

A trademark is a distinctive feature of something or someone, and to trademark is to brand something, especially in a legal sense.

You know how a comedian often has a particular joke she's famous for? That's her trademark. A trademark is something specific to a person that can be used to identify her. The legal sense of trademark is an official representation of a business or product that only they can legally use — like the Nike swoosh or their motto "Just do it."

Definitions of trademark

1. noun

   a formally registered symbol identifying the manufacturer or distributor of a product
   types:

   Sharpie

   a pen with indelible ink that will write on any surface

   logo, logotype

   a company emblem or device

   type of:

   insignia, mark, marker, marking

   a distinguishing symbol
2. noun

   a distinctive characteristic or attribute
   synonyms: earmark, hallmark, stylemark

   types:

   mold, mould

   a distinctive nature, character, or type

   type of:

   characteristic, discriminant

   a distinguishing quality
3. verb

   mark with a brand or trademark
   synonyms: brand, brandmark

   type of:

   label, mark, tag

   attach a tag or label to
4. verb

   register the trademark of
   “The company trademarked their new gadget”

   type of:

   file, register

   record in a public office or in a court of law