Legal Definitions - distinguishing mark

A distinguishing mark is a physical characteristic or feature that sets one person or thing apart from another. It helps to identify or differentiate between them.

For example, in voting, ballots may contain distinguishing marks to prevent them from being counted. This means that any mark that could identify the voter, such as a signature or unique symbol, is not allowed on the ballot. This ensures that the voting process remains fair and anonymous.

In trademarks, a distinguishing mark is a word, symbol, or device that identifies the goods of a particular merchant and sets them apart from the goods of others. For instance, the Nike swoosh is a distinguishing mark that identifies Nike products and distinguishes them from other athletic brands.

Overall, a distinguishing mark is a unique characteristic that helps to identify and differentiate between people or things.