Trademarks vs Generic Terms vs Brand Names

My hands were itching to write something today but my creative part of the brain is slowing me down. Perhaps my menses or just something else. So Omar gave me the idea to this article instead and he charges me $20, although he says it is insultingly cheap. Anyway it is going to be off my usual family topics...

Here it goes...

Have you ever wondered how a popular brand name can replace the actually correct term in our daily conversations or sentences but still being understood by our listeners. Didn't get the picture? Here is one good conversational example, "Don't forget to bring along your colgate and toothbrush to camp." In that conversation, the word colgate refers to toothpaste, no matter what brand of toothpaste you are using, and it is understood in Malaysia and Singapore I guess. Kudos to Colgate for being THE toothpaste, hmmm, they must be smiling, and Darlie please don't frown..... and for Colgate, you won't loose your trademark, so don't worry.

Trademarks? Yes, There are many companies which have lost their trademarks due to this. Let's talk legal just for a moment. As a matter of fact, brands like Aspirin, Escalator and Thermos have lost their trademarks and have become generic terms! Thats worst than being a Colgate, they still have their trademark although we have labelled them as toothpaste. Take for example, thermos, originally a brand name for a new kind of vacuum-insulated bottle for keeping liquids hot or cold, have already became the generic word for vacuum bottle! However trademark rights are generally country-specific, a mark that has become generic in one country might still function and be recognized as a trademark in another. Haha, thats why I'm not a lawyer.

I have compiled a list of brand names which are widely used either in Malaysia or Singapore and have 'officially' replaced the actual nouns in conversations; and widely accepted too, but still maintained their trademarks.

1. Colgate vs toothpaste
Eg: Read above....

2. Cutex vs nail polish
Eg: She puts on red cutex on her fingers.

3. Kiwi vs shoe polish
Eg: Can you please kiwi my black shoes.
I have heard some older generation Malays in SIngapore used the word blackin'
Eg: Kenapa tak belakin boot sampai kilat?

4. Clorox vs bleach
Eg: You need to soak overnight with clorox to remove these stains.

5. Corn Flakes vs cereals / breakfast cereals
This example will sound better in Malay.
Eg: Esok pagi2 semua akan bersarapan corn flakes.

6. Pampers vs diapers
Eg: Please bring along spare pampers for your baby. (Omar is against this one, he hates that brand I think)

7. Xerox vs photostat vs zap vs duplicate
This lingo was more heard in the office.
Eg: Can you please Xerox this document for me? hahaha!

8. Liquid Paper vs Blanco vs correction fluid
Eg: May I borrow your Liquid Paper please / Can you please Blanco your writing mistakes

9. Kotex vs sanitary pad / pad
Eg: Some brands of Kotex really makes me comfortable but some really don't.

10. Sony Walkman vs portable/personal stereos
Funny? Yes, only Sony trademarked them Walkman but if I am using a portable mini Aiwa, they will call it a Walkman too.

Just to name a few...

Try to add more... hmmm ... Palm handheld organisers, Cellophane tapes, etc etc...
So the next time if someone sneezes in front of you, do pass him/her some kleenex!