Genericize
Genericize is a process of converting a brand name or trademark into a common name for a product or service. This happens when the brand becomes so popular that it is used to refer to all similar products or services in that category, regardless of the actual brand.
For example, „Kleenex“ has become a genericized trademark for facial tissues, „Band-Aid“ for adhesive bandages, and „Xerox“ for photocopiers. These brands have become so well-known that people use them to refer to any similar product, regardless of the actual brand.
This process can be detrimental to the original brand as it can lead to trademark erosion and loss of exclusivity. Companies often try to prevent their brand from becoming genericized by actively enforcing their trademark rights and educating the public about the proper use of their brand name.
It is important for consumers to be aware of the distinction between a brand name and a generic term to avoid potential legal issues and to support the original brand.
Examples of Genericized Trademarks:
- Aspirin: originally a trademark of Bayer for a pain reliever, now commonly used to refer to any pain reliever containing acetylsalicylic acid.
- Escalator: originally a trademark of Otis Elevator Company for a moving staircase, now commonly used to refer to any moving staircase.
- Velcro: originally a trademark of Velcro Companies for hook-and-loop fasteners, now commonly used to refer to any similar fastening system.
To learn more about genericized trademarks, you can visit Wikipedia.