trademark English · revision 15216

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=compound|attested=1838}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈtɹeɪdmɑːk/ ''(UK)''; /ˈtɹeɪdmɑɹk/ ''(US)''^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[af|en|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).^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==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.^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024) Such marks themselves are found continuously from the 14th century, apparently first as watermarks on paper.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ By statute in England and the United States the symbol itself came to be recognized and protected as property.^(Etymonline) The figurative use, a distinctive characteristic by which someone is known, is attested by 1869.^(Etymonline) The verb is recorded from 1899, implied in trade-marked;^(Etymonline) Merriam-Webster dates a transitive sense to 1906.^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 14th century – trademarks as watermarks.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1838 – trademark.^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)

+ * 1869 – figurative use.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1899 – trade-marked.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A name, symbol or device used to identify a product, officially registered and legally restricted to its owner.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # A distinctive characteristic by which a person or thing is known.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ===Verb===

+ # To label with a trademark, or to register as a trademark.^(AHD)

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[trade]]

+ * [[mark]]

+ * [[brand]]

+ * [[logo]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}