Genericness
/ˈdʒɛnərɪknəs/
Definitions
- (n.) The quality or state of being generic, especially regarding trademarks and intellectual property, indicating a term or product is common and not protected by exclusive rights.
The court ruled that the product's name had lost its trademark protection due to genericness.
Related terms
Commentary
Genericness is a critical concept in trademark law, denoting when a mark becomes a common descriptor and thus loses its legal protection.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.