{{Short description|Distinct text-only typographic}} {{For|the computer hardware term|Word mark (computer hardware)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2023}} {{Sidebar | name = Examples | title = Wordmark Examples | navbar = none | class = sidebar-example | content1 = <big>AMAZON</big> | content2 = <big>APPLE</big> | content3 = <big>COCA-COLA</big> | content4 = <big>DC</big> | content5 = <big>DISNEY</big> | content6 = <big>ESPN</big> | content7 = <big>FEDEX</big> | content8 = <big>GOOGLE</big> | content9 = <big>IBM</big> | content10 = <big>IPHONE</big> | content11 = <big>KITKAT</big> | content12 = <big>LOUIS VUITTON</big> | content13 = <big>MARVEL</big> | content14 = <big>MICROSOFT</big> | content15 = <big>NIKE</big> | content16 = <big>NINTENDO</big> | content17 = <big>PEPSI</big> | content18 = <big>SONY</big> | belowstyle = font-weight:normal;text-align:left | below = Note: Trademarked wordmarks are generally not case-sensitive and are listed in uppercase by trademark registrars.<ref name="USPTO_StandardCharacters">[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/standard-character-set Standard Character Set] - United States Patent and Trademark Office</ref> }}
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, giving it legal distinction, and potentially additional protection of any artistic presentation.
== Comparison with logos == ===Companies=== {{Multiple image | direction = vertical | width = 250 | image1 = Coca-Cola logo.svg | alt1 = The Coca-Cola wordmark | caption1 = The Coca-Cola wordmark | image2 = IBM_logo.svg | alt2 = The IBM logotype | caption2 = The IBM logotype | image3 = Louis Vuitton logo.svg | alt3 = | caption3 = The Louis Vuitton wordmark{{refn|The use of Louis Vuitton's wordmark is regulated by company policy.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.louisvuitton.com/media/flash/base.swf | title = Louis Vuitton Wordmark | author = | date = | work = Louis Vuitton | access-date = 30 June 2025 }}</ref>|group=n}} }}[[File:Kilgore Wordmark black.jpg|thumb|Wordmark for Kilgore, Texas<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/petesaunders1/2018/03/21/the-value-of-city-branding/ | title=The Value Of City Branding | last=Saunders | first=Pete | date=March 21, 2018 | website=Forbes | access-date=2025-02-11}}</ref>]]
=== 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.<ref name="PlaceBranding2016">{{cite journal |last1=Kladou |first1=Stella |last2=Kavaratzis |first2=Mihalis |last3=Rigopoulou |first3=Irini |last4=Salonika |first4=Eleftheria |title=The role of brand elements in destination branding |journal=Journal of Destination Marketing & Management |date=2017 |volume=6 |issue=4 |pages=426–435 |doi=10.1016/j.jdmm.2016.06.011}}</ref>
=== Countries === [[Image: Canada_wordmark.svg|thumb|The Canada wordmark]] Countries also employ wordmarks as a critical component of their 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|date=June 2025}}
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|date=June 2025}}
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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/article/it-possible-register-country-names-trademarks |title=Is it possible to register country names as trademarks? |website=World Trademark Review |date=December 12, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://ipwatchdog.com/2016/07/12/official-names-states-trademarks/ |title=Protection of Official Nam |date=12 July 2016 }}</ref>
== Trademarking == In many jurisdictions, such as the United States and European Union,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://oami.europa.eu/ohimportal/en/trade-mark-definition|title=Trade mark definition|publisher=Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market|access-date=2015-03-10|archive-date=2015-03-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329062320/https://oami.europa.eu/ohimportal/en/trade-mark-definition|url-status=dead}}</ref> a qualifying wordmark may be registered as a trademark, making it a protected intellectual property.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}}
Unlike names and logos, trademarked wordmarks are generally not case-sensitive<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tramatm.com/trademark-questions-and-answers/logo-vs-name-trademark/are-trademarks-case-sensitive-for-the-word-marks/|title=Are trademarks case-sensitive for the word marks?|website=TramaTM|access-date=June 30, 2025}}</ref> and are listed in uppercase by trademark registrars such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office,<ref name="USPTO_StandardCharacters"/> 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|date=June 2025}}
In the United States, {{clarify span|text=the legal term "word mark"|reason=What "legal term" "word mark"? By what standing? In what jurisdiction? As what? *Trademark* has legal standing.|date=August 2024}} refers only to the text, not to any graphical representation.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}}
==Copyrighting== In most cases, wordmarks cannot be copyrighted, as they do not reach the threshold of originality.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fiveminutelaw.com/2021/04/12/the-originality-requirement-in-copyright-law|title=The originality requirement in copyright law|last=Wolfe|first=Zach|date=April 12, 2021|work=Five Minute Law}}</ref>
==See also== * Slogan * Place Branding * Logo
==Notes== {{reflist|group=n}}
==References== {{reflist}}
==Further reading== *Wheeler, Alina. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=HMSotQEACAAJ Designing Brand Identity: A Complete Guide to Creating, Building, and Maintaining Strong Brands.]'' Wiley: 2006. {{ISBN|978-0-471-74684-3}}.
{{Trademark law|state=collapsed}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Brand management Category:Promotion and marketing communications Category:Typography Category:Intellectual property law