Wordmark
| Wordmark Examples |
|---|
| APPLE |
| COCA-COLA |
| DISNEY |
| FEDEX |
| IBM |
| IPHONE |
| MICROSOFT |
| KITKAT |
| ESPN |
| Note: Trademarked wordmarks are generally not case-sensitive and are listed in uppercase by trademark registrars.[1] [2] |
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 ]Brands & Companies
[edit ]
Wordmarks and logos are the two most common types of brand marks.[3] 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.[4]
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.[5] For example, the SONY logo contains only the name in uppercase, set in a particular typeface.[6] In some cases, such as Disney's logo, a custom or proprietary typeface is used.[7]
Cities
[edit ]
Word marks can function effectively as identifiers for cities, similar to their use for brands and companies. A unique typographic representation of a city’s name can help establish its identity and foster community pride. Such word marks can reflect a city’s character, culture, and history, making it more recognizable to residents and visitors. They can be utilized in various contexts, such as on signage, promotional materials, or public spaces, contributing to a cohesive urban identity. Overall, word marks for cities provide a straightforward way to enhance visibility and create a sense of place without overtly promoting a specific agenda.[10]
Trademarking
[edit ]
In many jurisdictions, such as the United States and European Union,[11] a qualifying wordmark may be registered as a trademark, making it a protected intellectual property.[12]
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.[12]
Copyrighting
[edit ]In most cases, wordmarks cannot be copyrighted, as they do not reach the threshold of originality.[13]
See also
[edit ]References
[edit ]- ^ "Are Trademarks Case-Sensitive?". TM Kings. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
- ^ Standard Character Set - United States Patent and Trademark Office
- ^ "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.
- ^ Kotler, Philip; Haider, Donald; Rein, Irvin J. (1993). Marketing Places: Attracting Investment, Industry and Tourism to Cities, States, and Nations. New York: Free Press.
- ^ Saunders, Pete (21 March 2018). "The Value Of City Branding". Forbes. Retrieved 11 February 2025.
- ^ "Place branding and the use of word marks in the commercial promotion of cities: The case of the City of Melbourne". Place Branding and Public Diplomacy. 12 (2–3): 188–202. 2016. Retrieved 6 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.
