Secondary Meaning
Acquired distinctiveness in the minds of the consuming public associating a descriptive mark with a particular source, required for protection of non-inherently-distinctive marks.
Encyclopedia entry: Secondary Meaning
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more
Got it!
secondary meaning
A secondary meaning is an additional meaning acquired by a non-distinct trademark through its commercial use. To acquire federal trademark protection, a non-distinctive mark must become associated with a single commercial source in the minds of consumers (see e.g., the term “apple"). Secondary meaning can be measured in a variety of ways—from consumer surveys to sales volume to quantity of advertising, among others.
[Last reviewed in August of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team
]
Wex
Encyclopedia content from Cornell LII Wex (CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5).
Related terms
More legal terms starting with S
Looking for citation help? How to cite law · Citation methodology
See also: Full glossary index
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.