descriptive name
Defined in 1 dictionary — Case Law
Definitions from Case Law
From 265 U.S. 526 - William Warner Co v. Eli Lilly & Co · 1924Most cited · 667 citing opinions
A name which is merely descriptive of the ingredients, qualities or characteristics of an article of trade cannot be appropriated as a trade-mark and the exclusive use of it afforded legal protection. The use of a similar name by another to truthfully describe his own product does not constitute a legal or moral wrong, even if its effect be to cause the public to mistake the origin or ownership of the product.