Before you hang your “open for business” sign, get to know the terms below.
Brand Name A word, letter (number), group of words, or letters (numbers) that can be spoken. Examples are Charmin, Lipton Cup-a-Soup, and IBM.
Brand Mark
A symbol, design, or distinctive coloring or lettering that cannot be spoken. Examples are Prudential’s Rock.
Trade Character
A brand mark that is personified. Examples are Ronald McDonald and Pillsbury Doughboy.
Trademark A brand name, brand mark, or trade character or combination thereof that is given legal protection. When it is used, a registered trademark is followed by ®. Examples are Scotch® Brand tape and MasterCard®.