What is acquiring secondary meaning in trademark terms?
A) when a mark that resembles a mark already registered with the federal PTO is used for a new product or service
B) when ordinary words establish new meaning due to its attachment to a product or service
C) when a distinctive mark or design is created for a new product or service
D) when descriptive words are used that have no direct relevance to a product or service

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acquiring secondary meaning refers to the process where an ordinary word gains a new meaning due to its association with a product or service. For example, the word "Apple" had a new meaning after Apple Inc. used it as a brand name for their products. It was originally just a fruit but now has a distinct meaning in the technology industry. This helps the trademark owner protect their brand identity and prevent others from using it to confuse customers.

What Is Acquiring Secondary Meaning in Trademark Terms