Inklingo

How to Say "trademark" in Spanish

English → Spanish

marca

MAR-cah/ˈmaɾka/

nounA1legal registration
Use 'marca' when referring to a legally registered trademark or a brand name that identifies a company's products or services.
A shiny red apple with a simple, stylized leaf symbol stamped clearly on its side, representing a corporate brand logo.

Examples

¿Has visto la nueva marca de coches eléctricos?

Have you seen the new brand of electric cars?

¿Qué marca de teléfono usas?

What brand of phone do you use?

Esta marca es famosa por su calidad.

This brand is famous for its quality.

Gender Check

Remember that 'marca' is always feminine, so you must use 'la marca' or 'una marca'.

sello

SEH-yoh/ˈse.ʝo/

nounB2figurative mark of origin
Use 'sello' when referring to a figurative mark of origin, an imprint, or a label, often used for record labels or publishing houses.
The center of a black vinyl record showing the circular paper label affixed to it. The label is bright yellow with a simple graphic design.

Examples

El grupo firmó con un sello discográfico independiente.

The band signed with an independent record label.

La banda lanzó su nuevo álbum bajo un sello independiente.

The band released their new album under an independent record label.

Este libro tiene el sello de una editorial muy prestigiosa.

This book has the imprint of a very prestigious publishing house.

Esa canción lleva el sello personal del artista.

That song carries the artist's personal mark (or hallmark).

Figurative Use

When used figuratively, 'sello' means a distinctive characteristic or quality that defines someone or something, like an artistic style or personal touch.

Marca vs. Sello

The most common mistake is using 'sello' for a registered brand name. Remember that 'marca' is the word for a legally protected trademark or brand, while 'sello' is more about a figurative label or imprint, like a record label.

Related Translations

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