Trademark
Our Company’s trademarks are some of our most valuable assets. The Jacuzzi® trademark is an immediately identifiable symbol of our goodwill, the quality of our products, and our reputation for excellence. As a result of its exclusive use by our Company in connection with whirlpool baths, jetted baths, and outdoor spas, and more recently with our shower systems, bathroom collections, and numerous other classes of products, the mark has come to be famous, internationally recognized, and exclusively associated with our Company. In addition to distinguishing us from competitors, our trademarks serve to assure our customers that they are purchasing a product meeting the standards of excellence and quality that are the hallmarks of Jacuzzi® brand products.
Our Company maintains a substantial portfolio of registered and unregistered trademarks. Although the Jacuzzi® brand is our Company’s best known trademark, the Company uses a number of other trademarks in connection with the sale of its products. In addition, the Company periodically adopts and uses new trademarks, for example, when it develops and introduces a new product line. Accordingly, the Company’s portfolio of trademarks changes from time to time.
Jacuzzi’s trademarks may not be used in connection with or combined with any non Jacuzzi branded products for any reason or in any manner that is likely to cause confusion among consumers as to the source of the products. All other trademarks not owned by Jacuzzi and appear on its Jacuzzi Website are the property of their respective trademark owners who may or may not be affiliated with or connected to Jacuzzi.
Proper Use
Proper Use of Trademarks
Proper use of trademarks involves a handful of basic and easy-to-apply rules. The general rules set forth below should be followed whenever the Company’s trademarks are used, in order to protect and preserve their value.
Trademarks Are Adjectives
Trademarks are adjectives that are designed to identify a particular company, or group of related companies, as the source or origin of a product.
Example: View our entire line of Jacuzzi® whirlpool baths.
Trademarks Should Not Be Used Without An Associated Generic Product Name
Trademarks should never be used alone without an associated generic product name. Using a trademark without a generic product name may suggest, incorrectly, that the trademark is the common name for the product or service in question. Instead, always use the Jacuzzi® trademark together with the correct generic name for the product.
Incorrect: We know you will enjoy your jacuzzi.
Correct: We know you will enjoy your Jacuzzi® outdoor spa.
Correct: Jacuzzi® jetted baths can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
A good rule of thumb is to mentally insert the word “brand” after the trademark to see if the phrase makes sense. If it does, the trademark is correctly used as an adjective.
Incorrect: Nothing compares to a jacuzzi (brand).
Correct: Nothing compares to a Jacuzzi® (brand) whirlpool spa.
How to Refer to More Than One Trademarked Product
Because a trademark identifies a single source of a particular product and not the product itself, trademarks should never be used in the plural form. Using a trademark in the plural form could suggest that it is a common name for the product and not a trademark. The proper way to describe a plural reference to trademarked products is to use the plural form of the generic product name.
Incorrect: A new shipment of jacuzzis arrives this week.
Correct: A new shipment of Jacuzzi® whirlpool baths arrives this week.
Trademarks Should Not Be Used As Verbs
Because trademarks are adjectives, they must never be used as verbs to describe an activity. A person can bathe, shower, or soak, but they cannot “Jacuzzi.” Instead, use an appropriate verb, such as soak, bathe, or relax, to describe an activity suitable for a Jacuzzi® product.
Incorrect: Relax as you Jacuzzi your troubles away.
Correct: Let your troubles float away while you relax in a Jacuzzi® whirlpool spa.
Trademarks Should Not Be Used In The Possessive Form
Nouns are sometimes used in the possessive form. For example, one might say, “I find this spa’s color very appealing.” Because a trademark describes the source of a product rather than the product itself, a trademark should not be used in the possessive form. Instead, the generic product name should be made possessive.
Incorrect: This jacuzzi’s standard features include a slip-resistant bottom.
Incorrect: A jacuzzi’s innovative styling is elegant, yet functional.
Correct: This Jacuzzi® shower system’s standard features include a slip-resistant bottom.
Correct: A Jacuzzi® whirlpool bath’s design is elegant, yet functional.