trademark
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Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈtɹeɪdmɑːk/ (UK); /ˈtɹeɪdmɑɹk/ (US)[1]
Etymology
It is from English trade + mark, mark in the sense of a stamp, seal or brand placed on an article to show its owner or origin (mid-13th century).[2]
Earliest recorded meaning
A distinguishing mark or device adopted by a manufacturer and put on its goods, also written trade-mark: 1838 in Etymonline and Merriam-Webster.[2][3] Such marks themselves are found continuously from the 14th century, apparently first as watermarks on paper.[2]
Semantic evolution
By statute in England and the United States the symbol itself came to be recognized and protected as property.[2] The figurative use, a distinctive characteristic by which someone is known, is attested by 1869.[2] The verb is recorded from 1899, implied in trade-marked;[2] Merriam-Webster dates a transitive sense to 1906.[3]
Timeline
- 14th century – trademarks as watermarks.[2]
- 1838 – trademark.[2][3]
- 1869 – figurative use.[2]
- 1899 – trade-marked.[2]
Modern meaning
Noun
- A name, symbol or device used to identify a product, officially registered and legally restricted to its owner.
- A distinctive characteristic by which a person or thing is known.
Verb
- To label with a trademark, or to register as a trademark.