I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
1. : a word, letter, device, sound, or symbol or some combination of these that is used in connection with merchandise, distinctly points inherently or by association to the not necessarily known origin or ownership of that to which it is applied, and is legally reserved to the exclusive use of the owner according to statutory provisions : a name or symbol used by a maker or seller to identify distinctively his products
must display his trademark on his product for it to be legally valid
a trademark can only be transferred in connection with the goodwill of the business — Edward Jenks
— compare copyright , service mark
2. : a distinctive feature, characteristic, or eccentricity that becomes so associated with a person or thing as to be a sign or designation of that person or thing : an identifying mark or feature
the derringers … became almost a trademark of gamblers — Elmer Keith
II. transitive verb
1. : to put or affix a trademark upon : label with a trademark
2. : to secure trademark rights for : to register the trademark of