C1nounformal3K

Trademark

UK /["/ˈtreɪdmɑːk/"]/US /["/ˈtreɪdmɑːrk/"]/

Definition

a name, symbol or design that a company uses for its products and that cannot be used by anyone else

In simple words: A special symbol or name that shows a company owns a product.

Examples

  • ‘Big Mac’ is McDonald's best-known trademark.
  • Attention to detail is Anthea’s trademark.
  • The artist uses her trademark swirls of paint to good effect in her latest exhibition.

Usage notes

Used in business and legal contexts. Proper when discussing brands and legal protections, but may sound out of place in casual conversation. Avoid where informal language is preferred.

Grammar pattern

trademark + object

Memory hint

Think of 'trade' and 'mark' as a brand's unique stamp on their products.

Collocations

  • register a trademark
  • trademark infringement
  • famous trademark
  • trademark application
  • trademark rights

Synonyms

  • brand
  • logo
  • symbol
  • label
  • service mark

Antonyms

  • generic term
  • public domain
  • common use

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'patent' (patent protects inventions, trademark protects brands).
  • Using it in informal conversations where simpler words would suffice.
  • Misusing as a verb ('to trademark' is appropriate, but 'trademarking' may confuse learners).