Brands that have become generics or verbs
This is a fascinating subject since it has a big impact when names become into verbs or generics.
It’s regarded as the pinnacle of success a brand can reach. Additionally, it lays the door for gaining a competitive advantage because everyone else will just follow.
There are only a few brands that ar e well known as generics or verbs on the local market.
1.Bata - since we were young, we have referred to rubber slippers as Bata. Rubber slippers and bata went hand in hand. 2.Panadol even now, we don’t reach for paracetamol when we have a headache or other type of pain. In reality, we request Panadol. 3.Signal - In Sri Lanka, toothpaste and the brand Signal were once interchangeable.
4.Astra - Sri Lankans, particularly those who lived in rural areas, never used the word margarine and only knew Astra, which was a generic term to them. 5.Cargills - I’m not sure if this is
still used now, but back in
Sri Lanka, on the outskirts of Colombo, locals used to call any supermarket Cargills.
6. Celtel - Mobile phones are referre d to as Celtel because Cel Tel was the first of its kind to arrive in Sri Lanka with Tigo connections. There are numerous additional companies whose names have entered our everyday vernacular as a result of their appeal.
7. Photoshop - Since Adobe Photoshop is the most popular programme for image manipulation, it is called Photoshop.
8. You almost never hear someone say, “Message me on WhatsAp p.” They’d respond with “WhatsA pp me.”
9. Google, another frequently utilized search engine, has entered the vernacular. Google it if you were looking for something online.
10. EGB - Like Lion for beer, EGB has come to stand in for ginger beer.
There are certain brands that have evolved into generics and are generics in other nations.
11. Post-it notes – Everyone is aware that Romy and Michele did not create Post-its, a 3M trademark. The glue was created by Dr. Spencer Silver in 1968, and scientist Art Fry came up with a purpose for it in 1974. This is a very distinct team. Post-its started to be sold a few years later (originally under the name Press ‘N Peel).
12. Popsicle - Unilever has registered Popsicle as a trademark. The invention of the Popsicle was accidental, like many wonderful things in life. According to the legend, 11-year old Frank Epperson left a concoction of soda and water on his doorstep that winter night in 1905 along with a stick. Frank started selling his invention at a lemonade stand about 20 years after he first made it, and the treat has been well-liked ever since.
13. Ping Pong - a table tennis prod uct brand called after the sound the ball makes when it hits the table was given a trademark in 1901.
14. Bubble Wrap, which Sealed Air Corporation rightfully trademarked, is likely the company’s biggest social contribution.
15. Jacuzzi produces mattresses and toilets in addition to hot tubs and bathtubs.
16. Jet-Ski Although you may believe you are riding a Jet Ski, if it is not manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, it is simply a personal watercraft.
17. Escalator – The phrase entered the common lexicon when Otis lost a significant trademark dispute involving the word “escalator” in 1950. It was determined that Otis had used the term “escalator” broadly in its own advertising, which contributed to the loss of the brand name.
18. Kerosine - Combustible hydrocarbon liquid, paraffin (UK) - For the world’s poorest people, who lack access to electricity, kerosene remains a vital source of energy. Although this gas is utilised for jet fuel and space heaters, environmentalists have demonized it because of its carbon emissions.
19. Ubber - You can call a cab by saying “I will ubber” or “I will get a pi ckme” in Sri Lanka as well as othe r nations.
20. Jeep - Chrysler didn’t invent the Jeep, but they’ ve do ne a lot of advertising to make sure no other sport utility vehicle is passing for a 4x4. Chrysler claims in one of its tough, off-road commercials that Jeep’s trademark is a good thing because there would otherwise be “no telling what kind of jacked-up station wagons [competitors] would be trying to pass off as Jeep vehicles.”
There are many more other brands which have become the generic or the verb. The reason behind this is that probably they are the first to introduce in the category.