Wordmark
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A wordmark or word mark is a text-only statement of the name of a product, service, company, organization, or institution which is used for purposes of identification and branding. A wordmark can be an actual word (e.g., Apple), a made-up term that reads like a word (e.g., iPhone), or an acronym, initialism, or series of letters (e.g., IBM). In some jurisdictions a wordmark may be trademarked, giving it legal distinction, and potentially additional protection of any artistic presentation.
Comparison with logos
[edit]Wordmarks and logos are the two most common types of brand marks.[2] Either may be trademarked. Wordmarks, by definition, always contain the name of the product or company, such as Disney, Simoniz, and FedEx, whereas a logo, such as Coca-Cola's, may be both, or, as in Nike, Shell Oil, and Starbucks, a textless image.[3]
A wordmark logo (also called a lettermark or a lettermark logo) is a type of logo, not a type of wordmark, which consists of just text set in a particular style, such as a typeface or color, without other graphical features.[4] For example, the SONY logo contains only the name in uppercase, set in a particular typeface.[5] In some cases, such as Disney's logo, a custom or proprietary typeface is used.[6]
Trademarking
[edit] | This section possibly contains original research. (January 2025) |
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In many jurisdictions, such as the United States and European Union,[7] a qualifying wordmark may be registered as a trademark, making it a protected intellectual property.[8]
Unlike names and logos, trademarked wordmarks are generally not case-sensitive[citation needed] and are listed in uppercase by trademark registrars such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office,[citation needed] even if they are always cased in a certain way by the owner; this gives the trademark holder rights no matter how the wordmark is presented.[citation needed] Some examples are shown in the sidebar.
In the United States, the legal term "word mark"[clarify] refers only to the text, not to any graphical representation.[8]
Copyrighting
[edit]In most cases, wordmarks cannot be copyrighted, as they do not reach the threshold of originality.[9]
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (10 May 2012). "Canada Wordmark". Federal Identity Program Policy. Retrieved 7 September 2012.
- ^ "Types of logos: famous lettermarks, wordmarks and pictorial marks". Jessica Jones Design. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
- ^ "Wordmark Logo Design: A Beginners Guide (With Examples)". Looka. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
- ^ "Understanding Text-based Logos (Wordmarks): Definition, Uses, Pros, and Cons". Designofly. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
- ^ "Wordmark logos 101: Why and when to use them". Dribbble. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
- ^ "Wordmark Logo Design: Top Tips & Examples". Rabbit. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
- ^ "Trade mark definition". Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market. Archived from the original on 29 March 2015. Retrieved 10 March 2015.
- ^ a b Harris, Daren (26 May 2023). "Word Mark vs. Design Mark". Northwest Registered Agent.
- ^ Wolfe, Zach (12 April 2021). "The originality requirement in copyright law". Five Minute Law.
Further reading
[edit]- Wheeler, Alina. Designing Brand Identity: A Complete Guide to Creating, Building, and Maintaining Strong Brands. Wiley: 2006. ISBN 978-0-471-74684-3.
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