When you think of a brand, your first thought might be of a logo or a recognizable product. But what happens when a brand becomes so successful it enters the public vernacular? This is genericide, and it’s a potential pitfall for any brand.
Genericide occurs when a brand or product name becomes so widely used that it enters the public domain and is no longer legally protected. Names like Kleenex, Hoover, and Aspirin all lost their trademarks due to genericide.
An example of a company that has recently considered genericide is Uber. It has become extremely popular, leading many people to refer to any ride hailing service (i.e., Lyft, Gett, etc.) as “Uber.” To prevent this, Uber has taken steps to protect their intellectual property by filing for a trademark for the term “ride share” and is using it often in their marketing.
As a business professional, it is important to be aware of genericide and what it could mean for your brand. If your brand is growing rapidly, you need to take steps to protect it from becoming generic – such as trademark registrations and enforcements, as well as clear guidelines on how to use the name of the brand. Taking these steps can help to protect the integrity of your brand and ensure long-term success.