The term "ping - pong" was originally a trademarked name in the United Kingdom and the United States. Here are the main reasons why the sport is more commonly referred to as "table tennis" in official and formal contexts:
1. Trademark and Branding Issues
- Original Trademarks: In the late 19th century, the name "ping - pong" was trademarked by different companies in the UK and the US. In 1901, the English firm J. Jaques & Son Ltd. trademarked "Ping - Pong" in the UK. Around the same time, Parker Brothers in the United States also held the trademark for the name. This meant that the name was closely associated with commercial products rather than the sport as a whole.
- Exclusive Use Restrictions: The trademark holders had exclusive rights to use the name "ping - pong" in connection with the manufacture and sale of related equipment. As a result, other manufacturers and organizations promoting the sport were discouraged from using the term to avoid legal issues. To ensure a more inclusive and generic term for the sport, "table tennis" became the preferred alternative.
2. Standardization and Internationalization
- International Recognition: As the sport spread globally, there was a need for a single, standardized name. "Table tennis" was more widely adopted in international sporting circles. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), founded in 1926, used "table tennis" as the official name of the sport. This helped to establish a unified identity for the sport across different countries and cultures.
- Avoiding Confusion: The term "ping - pong" was sometimes associated with more casual or recreational play, while "table tennis" was seen as a more formal and official name for the competitive sport. Using "table tennis" made it easier to distinguish the organized, competitive version of the game from the more informal backyard or parlor - room versions. It also helped to bring a sense of professionalism and standardization to the sport as it developed into an international competitive event.
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