List of generic and genericized trademarks

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Main article: Genericized trademark

The following list comprises those marks which were originally created and used as trademarks, but which have subsequently become entirely synonymous with the common name of the relevant product or service. Marks which appear in this list have become so generic that their former status as proprietary trademarks is often unknown to the general public. Such marks may therefore be considered "fully generic", whereas genericized marks which are at risk of becoming generic are listed in the next section.

If any of the original registrations for the trademarks appearing in this list remain in force, it is unlikely that the registered owners would be able to successfully enforce their exclusive rights against third parties.

Some common names for products or services are popularly believed to be genericized trademarks, however this in not the case as the names were never originally created or used as trademarks. Some examples are listed below.

  • Podcast – Although coined due to the popularity of the iPod, it was never registered by Apple as a trademark.
  • Nylon – Synthetic polymer (polyamid) invented at DuPont.
  • SpamHormel Foods makes SPAM luncheon meat, a canned pork product, whose name was the indirect origin of the electronic term of the same name. However, with reference to meat products, "spam" does not denote the generic.

In some cases companies have managed to register common names as trade marks, however this typically results in the eventual cancellation or surrender of the registration concerned. This has occurred in the United States in relation to rooibos [7].

Cite references by quoting mainline publications using the trademark generically

As pharmaceutical products are often marketed under different names in different countries, sometimes these different trademarks may become generic in each separate country, but not in all countries (ie. a trademark which has become generic in one country for a specific product may not be generic for the same product in another country). The following list provides examples of such marks.

  • Ace bandage – cloth elastic bandage
  • Advil – (ibuprofen) anti-inflammatory pain reliever (U.S.)
  • Alka-Seltzer – (acetylsalicylic acid / sodium bicarbonate) multi-purpose effervescent tablet (UK & U.S.)
  • Aspirin – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug developed by Bayer, trademark was undefended in U.S. when Bayer assets were seized during World War I, and subsequent owner was unable to defend trademark. "Aspirin" is still trademarked in many countries, but not in the U.S.
  • BAND-AID – adhesive bandage; trademarked by Johnson & Johnson. Already the most common term for an adhesive bandage in Australian English, Canadian English, and American English, to a point where 'adhesive bandage' might not even be understood. British English commonly uses 'plaster' (from sticking plaster).
  • Benadryl – (diphenhydramine) antihistamine drug (UK & U.S.)
  • Demerol – (meperidine) highly-controlled pain relieving medication
  • Dramamine – (meclizine) seasickness/motionsickness medicine
  • Elastoplast – self adhesive bandage (UK)

The following list comprises those marks which have been registered as trademarks, and which may continue in use and be actively enforced by their trademark owners, but which are also commonly used generically – for example, "I hoovered the lounge today". However, none of these marks should be regarded as legally abandoned or in the public domain, and therefore each should always be capitalized. Writing guides such as the Associated Press Stylebook advise writers to "use a generic equivalent unless the trademark is essential to the story."

  • Digibox – a digital television set-top box, originally a Sky satellite set-top box.
  • Dixie Cups – disposable bathroom cups, also packaged ice cream cups, which is a trademark of the Fort James Corporation.
  • Dr. Dentonsblanket sleepers
  • Draino - drain cleaner and pipe unclogger
  • Dremelrotary tool; Robert Bosch Tool Corporation
  • Duck Tape – strong waterproof adhesive tape, originally used on ammunition cases in World War II, then afterwards began being used on ducts at home, hence the confusion with Duck tape vs. duct tape
  • Dumpster – from the "Dempster-Dumpster" system of mechanically loading containers onto garbage trucks, a trademark of the Krug International Corporation.
  • Durex – condoms (UK), adhesive tape (Canada)
  • Dettol – Antiseptic Germicidial

  • Hi-lighter (Hi-Liter) – Highlighting marker pen
  • Hoover – vacuum cleaner (in Britain and some Commonwealth countries), and also as a verb meaning "to suck up".
  • Hula Hoop – dancing ring

  • iPod - used for any type of portable mp3 playing device

  • Jacuzzi – whirlpool bath
  • Jake Brake - an engine compression brake used on transport trucks
  • Jaws of Life – a rescue tool
  • JCB – hydraulic digger
  • Jeep – very small angular four-wheel drive truck now manufactured by Daimler Chrysler
  • Jell-Ogelatin dessert, or jelly in Britain and Commonwealth countries. Also instant pudding.
  • Jet Ski – motorized watercraft, often spelled "jetski"
  • Jetway – Movable bridges used at airports
  • Jiffy bag, a padded envelope made by Jiffy Packaging, now a division of Sealed Air Corporation
  • Jiffy Pop – stovetop popcorn
  • Jockey Shorts – short, tight-fitting underpants
  • JumboTron – large stadium display screens built by Sony

  • Maceaerosol spray tear gas
  • Maggi - instant noodles ( popular in India )
  • Magic Marker – Felt-tip marker
  • Mills & Boon – romance Novels (British and Australian usage)
  • Moxie – early 20th century soft drink, now used generically to mean energy, courage, or know-how [8]
  • Mr. Coffee – an automatic drip coffeemaker
  • Muzak – background music, trademark of the Muzak Corporation
  • Mylar – biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET) polyester film, trademark of DuPont

  • Walkman – music player
  • WD-40 – penetrating oil lubricant
  • Weber – covered charcoal barbecue, especially when used for roasting (probably genericized in Australia only)
  • Wite-Out – correction fluid
  • Wi-Fi – wireless internet
  • Windbreaker – light jacket

  • Zamboni – ice resurfacing machine. Listed in dictionaries[12] and used as a plural: "REMOTE CONTROLLED ZAMBONIS"[13]
  • Ziploc bags – zipper storage bags
  • Zippo – refillable, metal lighter
  • Zodiacinflatable boat – "Cousteau Society crew in a zodiac"[14]
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