Answer Question
Can I market an improved version of PopSockets?
Image of a PopSocket: Image credit: UrbanOutfitters
I have an idea for a key improvement on the popular PopSockets. I realize the term is trademarked by the owner but I also remember learning in a 'business law' class that a trademarked term can become "generic" if it becomes part of the language, as the defacto word for describing an entire category of things.
For example "Xerox" became generic and it then became permissible for other copier companies to describe that they do as "Xeroxing".
So, is it okay for me to market my "improved PopSocket", given that the term "PopSocket" appears to be generic?