trademark
gb/tɹˈeɪdmˌɑɹk/ us/tɹˈeɪdmˌɑɹk/
B1
English
~ 3000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
Legally protected brand name or logo
A special name or picture that shows who made a product, protected by law.
Usage pattern:
[company/product] has the trademark [name/logo]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'trademark' with 'patent' or 'copyright', which protect inventions and creative works, not brand names or logos.
Synonyms
brand (More general; can refer to the overall image and identity, not necessarily legally registered.)
|
logo (Specifically refers to the graphic mark or emblem, not the legal protection.)
Antonyms
generic term (A name that is common and not legally protected.)
Collocations
registered trademark
|trademark infringement
|own a trademark
|apply for a trademark
|trademark law
Themes
business
|law
|marketing
|communication
Examples
- Nike's swoosh is one of the most recognizable trademarks in the world.
- The company filed a lawsuit for trademark infringement.
- Before launching the product, they applied for a trademark.
- The trademark ensures that no one else can legally use the same name for similar goods.
- Our new logo is now an official trademark.
Learner examples
- McDonald's has a famous trademark.
- This logo is our trademark.
- We must protect our trademark.
- She registered her company's trademark.
- A trademark stops others from using our name.
Noun
B2
entity
2
Characteristic feature associated with someone
A special way of doing something that makes a person or thing easy to recognize.
Usage pattern:
[something] is [someone]'s trademark
Common mistake:
Learners may incorrectly think this sense only refers to legal protection; here it can be purely descriptive with no legal meaning.
Synonyms
signature (Often used metaphorically for a distinctive style or feature; slightly more formal in this sense.)
|
hallmark (Emphasizes a characteristic that is typical and notable; may sound more formal.)
Antonyms
ordinary feature (A common characteristic that doesn't stand out or identify someone.)
Collocations
trademark smile
|trademark style
|trademark move
Themes
description
|personality
|core_vocabulary
|communication
Examples
- Her trademark red lipstick made her stand out.
- The chef's trademark dish is a spicy seafood stew.
- He greeted everyone with his trademark handshake.
- The comedian's trademark humor is full of wordplay.
- That guitar riff became the band's trademark.
Learner examples
- His big smile is his trademark.
- She has a trademark way of speaking.
- The hat is his trademark.
- That song is the band's trademark.
- Her laugh is her trademark.
Grammar
Dictionary form
trademark
IPA
GB/tɹˈeɪdmˌɑɹk/
US/tɹˈeɪdmˌɑɹk/
Syllables & stress
trade - mark (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (trade)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: trademark
- Plural: trademarks
Word family
Forms
trademarks
noun
Related words
Advanced or less common
trademarkable
adjective
Expressions
registered trademark
1/ɹˈɛd͡ʒɪstɚd tɹˈeɪdmˌɑɹk/
fixed phrase
technical
Officially recorded brand name/logo
A name or picture for a product that is recorded by the government and protected by law.
Examples
- The ® symbol shows that it is a registered trademark.
- They applied for status as a registered trademark.
trademark infringement
1/tɹˈeɪdmˌɑɹk ɪnfɹˈɪnd͡ʒmənt/
fixed phrase
technical
Illegal use of protected brand name/logo
When someone uses another company's protected name or logo without permission.
Examples
- The court found the company guilty of trademark infringement.
- Trademark infringement can lead to heavy fines.
trademark infringement
5/tɹˈeɪdmˌɑɹk ɪnfɹˈɪnd͡ʒmənt/
fixed phrase
legal
unauthorized use of protected mark
Using another company's protected name, logo, or symbol in a way that can confuse customers.
Examples
- The small shop received a warning letter alleging trademark infringement.
- Using a logo that looks almost identical could amount to trademark infringement.
- The court ruled that the packaging created a risk of trademark infringement.
trademark symbol
1/tɹˈeɪdmˌɑɹk sˈɪmbəl/
fixed phrase
Mark indicating legal protection of brand name/logo
The small ™ or ® sign next to a name or logo to show it is protected.
Examples
- Add the trademark symbol to your logo.
- The ™ sign is the basic trademark symbol.