# Wordmark > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Wordmark > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Wordmark.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wordmark > Source revision: 1355295027 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Distinct text-only typographic For the computer hardware term, see [Word mark (computer hardware)](/source/Word_mark_(computer_hardware)). Wordmark Examples AMAZON APPLE COCA-COLA DC DISNEY ESPN FEDEX GOOGLE IBM IPHONE KITKAT LOUIS VUITTON MARVEL MICROSOFT NIKE NINTENDO PEPSI SONY Note: Trademarked wordmarks are generally not case-sensitive and are listed in uppercase by trademark registrars.[1] A **wordmark** or **word mark** is a text-only statement of the name of a product, service, company, organization, or institution that 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](/source/Trademark), giving it legal distinction, and potentially additional protection of any artistic presentation. ## Comparison with logos ### Companies The [Coca-Cola wordmark](/source/Coca-Cola) The [IBM logotype](/source/IBM) The [Louis Vuitton](/source/Louis_Vuitton) wordmark[n 1] Wordmark for [Kilgore, Texas](/source/Kilgore%2C_Texas)[3] ### Cities 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.[4] ### Countries The [Canada wordmark](/source/Canada_wordmark) Countries also employ wordmarks as a critical component of their [nation branding](/source/Nation_branding) strategies. These text‐based representations of a country's name are crafted to evoke specific perceptions and promote a unified national identity on the global stage.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] For example, countries might deploy a distinct wordmark in tourism campaigns, official government communications, or international trade initiatives to differentiate themselves and convey attributes such as innovation, cultural richness, or stability.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] The design of a country's wordmark—including its typeface treatment, letterspacing, and color palette—is carefully considered to resonate with target audiences and align with the nation's strategic objectives. These wordmarks can be officially registered and protected—much like corporate trademarks—to prevent unauthorized use and maintain the integrity of the national brand.[5][6] ## Trademarking In many [jurisdictions](/source/Jurisdiction), such as the [United States](/source/United_States) and [European Union](/source/European_Union),[7] a qualifying wordmark may be registered as a [trademark](/source/Trademark), making it a protected [intellectual property](/source/Intellectual_property).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] Unlike names and [logos](/source/Logo), trademarked wordmarks are generally not case-sensitive[8] and are listed in uppercase by trademark registrars such as the [United States Patent and Trademark Office](/source/United_States_Patent_and_Trademark_Office),[1] 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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] In the United States, the legal term "word mark"[*[clarification needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Please_clarify)*] refers only to the text, not to any graphical representation.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] ## Copyrighting In most cases, wordmarks cannot be copyrighted, as they do not reach the [threshold of originality](/source/Threshold_of_originality).[9] ## See also - [Slogan](/source/Slogan) - [Place Branding](/source/Place_Branding) - [Logo](/source/Logo) ## Notes 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** The use of Louis Vuitton's wordmark is regulated by company policy.[2] ## References 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-USPTO_StandardCharacters_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-USPTO_StandardCharacters_1-1) [Standard Character Set](https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/standard-character-set) - United States Patent and Trademark Office 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Louis Vuitton Wordmark"](http://www.louisvuitton.com/media/flash/base.swf). *Louis Vuitton*. Retrieved 30 June 2025. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Saunders, Pete (21 March 2018). ["The Value Of City Branding"](https://www.forbes.com/sites/petesaunders1/2018/03/21/the-value-of-city-branding/). *Forbes*. Retrieved 11 February 2025. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-PlaceBranding2016_5-0)** Kladou, Stella; Kavaratzis, Mihalis; Rigopoulou, Irini; Salonika, Eleftheria (2017). "The role of brand elements in destination branding". *Journal of Destination Marketing & Management*. **6** (4): 426–435. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/j.jdmm.2016.06.011](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.jdmm.2016.06.011). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Is it possible to register country names as trademarks?"](https://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/article/it-possible-register-country-names-trademarks). *World Trademark Review*. 12 December 2022. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Protection of Official Nam"](https://ipwatchdog.com/2016/07/12/official-names-states-trademarks/). 12 July 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Trade mark definition"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150329062320/https://oami.europa.eu/ohimportal/en/trade-mark-definition). Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market. Archived from [the original](https://oami.europa.eu/ohimportal/en/trade-mark-definition) on 29 March 2015. Retrieved 10 March 2015. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Are trademarks case-sensitive for the word marks?"](https://www.tramatm.com/trademark-questions-and-answers/logo-vs-name-trademark/are-trademarks-case-sensitive-for-the-word-marks/). *TramaTM*. Retrieved 30 June 2025. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Wolfe, Zach (12 April 2021). ["The originality requirement in copyright law"](https://fiveminutelaw.com/2021/04/12/the-originality-requirement-in-copyright-law). *Five Minute Law*. ## Further reading - Wheeler, Alina. *[Designing Brand Identity: A Complete Guide to Creating, Building, and Maintaining Strong Brands.](https://books.google.com/books?id=HMSotQEACAAJ)* Wiley: 2006. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-471-74684-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-471-74684-3). v t e Trademark law Concepts Distinctiveness Dilution Generic trademark Passing off Concurrent use Priority right Coexistence agreement Confusing similarity Functionality doctrine Initial interest confusion Good-faith doctrine Fair use Secondary liability Nominative use Disparagement Reputation parasitism Cybersquatting Parallel import Well-known trademark Treaties Paris Convention Madrid Agreement Madrid Protocol TRIPS Singapore Treaty Community Trade Mark Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy Country Australia Canada China European Union Hong Kong India Ireland Japan Oman Philippines United Kingdom United States Types Standard Registered trademark Service mark Trade dress Unregistered trademark Wordmark Non-standard Certification marks Chartered marks Collective trademarks Defensive trademarks Electronic registration marks Font trademark Ghost marks Geographical indication Protected designation of origin Non-conventional Colour trademarks Hologram trademarks Motion trademarks Scent trademarks Shape trademarks Sound trademarks Related Brand Emblem Logo Bodies WIPO International Trademark Association EUIPO USPTO ICANN German Patent and Trade Mark Office CIPO Symbols Registered trademark symbol Service mark symbol Unregistered trademark symbol Disputes Budweiser Debian–Mozilla Stolichnaya Twitter Ugg boots Washington Redskins Related Trademark attorney Trademark examiner Trademark infringement Trademark share Trademark troll World Trademark Review Category:Trademark law Case laws WP:MOS/Trademarks Authority control databases: National Czech Republic --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Wordmark](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wordmark) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wordmark?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.