Law Dictionary Definitions

generic swap.See plain-vanilla swap under INTEREST-RATE SWAP. [Blacks Law 8th]

genericness,n. The state or condition of being generic <an affirmative defense of genericness in a trademark suit>. — Also termed genericalness; genericism. [Blacks Law 8th]

generic name.Trademarks. A term that describes something generally without designating the thing’s source or creator, such as the word “car” or “sink.” • A generic name cannot be protected as a trademark for the thing it denotes; e.g., “Apple” can be a trademark for computers but not for apples. — Also termed generic term; generic…

genericism (j<<schwa>>-ner-<<schwa>>-siz-<<schwa>>m). See GENERICNESS. [Blacks Law 8th]

genericide (j<<schwa>>-ner-<<schwa>>-sId).Trademarks. The loss or cancellation of a trademark that no longer distinguishes the owner’s product from others’ products. • Genericide occurs when a trademark becomes such a household name that the consuming public begins to think of the mark not as a brand name but as a synonym for the product itself. Examples of…

generic-drug law.A statute that allows pharmacists to substitute a generic drug for a brand-name drug under specified conditions. • Most states have enacted generic-drug laws to ensure that less-expensive generic drugs are available to consumers. [Blacks Law 8th]

generic drug.See DRUG. [Blacks Law 8th]

generic claim.See PATENT CLAIM. [Blacks Law 8th]

genericalness. See GENERICNESS. [Blacks Law 8th]

generic,adj. Trademarks. 1. Common or descriptive, and thus not eligible for trademark protection; nonproprie-tary <a generic name>. [Cases: Trade Regulation 23. C.J.S. Trade-Marks, Trade-Names, and Unfair Com-petition § 43.] 2. Not having a trademark or brand name <generic drugs>. [Blacks Law 8th]