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by mc32 2418 days ago
Ford, Apple, Sharp, Adobe, National, Amazon, Sun, Oracle, etc. all are generic terms.
3 comments

However, if you look at the trademarks themselves, they have very limited scope and also require specific visual differentiators. The word "Adobe" isn't trademarked, but so that I don't buy the wrong Adobe which is actually malware, it is illegal to advertise or commercially distribute creative digital software bearing the name Adobe and copying its visual likeness. But I could start my own Spanish-themed footwear company called Adobe Footwear. Adobe itself is not trademarked.
Those trademarks only apply in certain markets. That's why for example, you also have Ford Models and Apple Vacations.
I don't think any of these are from generic terms from within their trade.