Definition of abstract brand name
Our definition of abstract brand name: a brand name with no apparent connection to the underlying brand
Also known as
- Empty vessel name
- Arbitrary name
- Fanciful name
Often contrasted with
Descriptive brand name: a brand name that clearly describes what it refers to (e.g., a feature, product, service, or organization)
Suggestive brand name: a brand name that evokes a quality of the underlying brand
Definition of abstract brand name from other sources around the web
“Invented words with no dictionary or other known meaning … [or] actual words with a known meaning that have no association/relationship with the goods protected.” – Basic Facts About Trademarks, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (definitions for “fanciful names” and “arbitrary names,” respectively)
“Names that bear no semantic connection to the brands in question.” – Creating the Perfect Name, Catchword (definition for “empty vessel names”)
“Names that mean nothing and/or say nothing about the offering.” – The Naming Group (definition for “empty vessel names”)
“Have no connection to the product or service. They may be unrelated words like Apple or Caterpillar, or invented words like Verizon and Kodak.” – Sticky Branding (definition for “empty vessel names”)
“A term used to name a product, service or company that is not related to the industry in which it functions or in any way describes the offering.” – Brandchannel (no longer online)
Visit the branding glossary for definitions of other branding terms. This Definition page will be updated periodically with new content. Please share any suggested additions in the comments section.
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