[trade.mark] n (1838) 1: a device (as a word) pointing distinctly to the origin or ownership of merchandise to which it is applied and legally reserved to the exclusive use of the owner as maker or seller
2: a distinguishing characteristic or feature firmly associated with a person or thing "derringers ... became almost a ~ of gamblers --Elmer Keith" "wearing his ~ bow tie and derby hat"
[2]trademark vt (1906): to secure trademark rights for: register the trademark of