Generic Mark

Business, Legal & Accounting Glossary

Definition: Generic Mark


Generic Mark


What is the dictionary definition of Generic Mark?

Dictionary Definition


In trademark law, a word or symbol commonly used to describe an entire type of product or service rather than to distinguish one product or service from another. An example is “raisin bran,” used by several manufacturers of breakfast cereals to describe their products. Generic marks never receive protection because they don’t serve the basic function of marks, which is to distinguish goods and services in the marketplace.


Full Definition of Generic Mark


generic trademark, also known as a genericized trademark or proprietary eponym, is a trademark or brand name that, because of its popularity or significance, has become the generic name for, or synonymous with, a general class of product or service, usually against the intentions of the trademark’s holder. The process of a product’s name becoming genericized is known as genericide.


Cite Term


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Page URL
https://payrollheaven.com/define/generic-mark/
Modern Language Association (MLA):
Generic Mark. PayrollHeaven.com. Payroll & Accounting Heaven Ltd.
March 28, 2024 https://payrollheaven.com/define/generic-mark/.
Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):
Generic Mark. PayrollHeaven.com. Payroll & Accounting Heaven Ltd.
https://payrollheaven.com/define/generic-mark/ (accessed: March 28, 2024).
American Psychological Association (APA):
Generic Mark. PayrollHeaven.com. Retrieved March 28, 2024
, from PayrollHeaven.com website: https://payrollheaven.com/define/generic-mark/

Definition Sources


Definitions for Generic Mark are sourced/syndicated and enhanced from:

  • A Dictionary of Economics (Oxford Quick Reference)
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Accounting
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Business & Management

This glossary post was last updated: 22nd April, 2020 | 0 Views.