What is a general trademark?

The general mark is a trademark that has become used to describe all similar products rather than a product of a particular manufacturer. The well -known examples of general trademarks include Kleenex, Kotex, Xerox, Aspirin, Heroin, Crock Pot, Hoover, Scotch Tape and Rolodex. All these names are generally used to describe specific products, although they were once trademarks, and in some cases there are still trademarks. Under the law, if the company does not take measures to protect the product from genericization, it may lose its trademark. Most companies want to avoid this because they weaken the power of their product on the market. For example, because the term “band-aid” has become general, a company that causes band-aid bands can lose customers with other companies using the company's trademark. The general trademark can kill the CZISKY company OMPany unless it is solved.

There are several ways to protect general protectionno sign. The company usually captures the product market, as was the case with Xerox Corporation, which dominated the copy industry from the beginning, which has led many people to buy Xerox products. Companies can also accidentally weaken their products through viral marketing or poorly formulated advertising, allowing other companies to use their extended marketing campaigns to promote their own products.

If the company feels a general trademark on the horizon, it can take steps to protect it. For example, many companies use what is called a general descriptor, clarifying a phrase that defines the product when used in combination with a trademark, clearly distinguishes a trademark and product. For example, you could hear about the tissues of Kleenex or Hoover Vacuums. Some companies also insert the word "brand" into their advertising and emphasize protectionNou mark, as in the case of LEGO blocks or Jel-O gelatin.

One interesting case of protection against genericization has occurred in the European Union, where many products have what is called the protected designation of origin. This means that only products made in a particular region can be described as things like Parmesan, Champagne or Prosciutto. This process is designed to protect traditional ways of food production and to increase consumer confidence in popular products by ensuring the basic quality standard. In this case, the attempt to avoid the general trademark is designed to protect the traditional process, rather than the profits of society, although companies in these regions certainly make profits.