Genericide: The Case of Kerosene

The case of 'Kerosene' highlights several key points about trademarks and their protection. It shows how a product name can become a victim of its own functional success, transitioning from a proprietary brand to a generic term as it becomes the standard reference for a particular type of product. Additionally, the story underscores the challenges faced in protecting a trademark when a product is pioneering in its field and its name is inherently descriptive of its function or composition.