Genericide: The Story of Zipper

The term "Zipper," once a specific trademark of the B.F. Goodrich Company, exemplifies the concept of genericide in trademark law, where a brand name evolves into a common term for a type of product. Initially trademarked for a fastening device on rubber boots, "Zipper" became synonymous with any similar fastening mechanism as the product gained widespread popularity in various applications. This broad adoption of the term in everyday language eventually led to the loss of its protected trademark status, demonstrating the delicate balance between brand ubiquity and trademark exclusivity.