Genericide: The Story of Escalator
Genericide Series Michael Jones Genericide Series Michael Jones

Genericide: The Story of Escalator

The term "Escalator," once a trademark of the Otis Elevator Company, epitomizes the phenomenon of "genericide" in intellectual property. Originally coined to describe Otis's innovative moving staircase, the term gradually became a generic descriptor for all such staircases, transcending its proprietary origins. This shift was legally cemented in 1950 when the term was declared generic, a stark reminder of the fragile nature of trademarks in the face of widespread public adoption.

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Genericide: The Case of Aspirin
Genericide Series Michael Jones Genericide Series Michael Jones

Genericide: The Case of Aspirin

The genericization of Aspirin had profound implications. For Bayer, it meant the loss of exclusive rights to a lucrative brand name. Competitors could now use the term 'Aspirin' for their own acetylsalicylic acid products, leading to a significant increase in competition

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