Big Mac became a registered trademark in 1968 after its 1967 launch.
The name identified McDonald’s larger two-patty hamburger and quickly became one of the company’s strongest branded product names. Jim Delligatti, a Pittsburgh-area franchisee, developed the sandwich after noticing demand for a more substantial burger. The product’s three-part bun and distinctive sauce gave it an identity that was easy to describe and market.
Although the sandwich was introduced in 1967, its trademark history is commonly dated to 1968. This is why product histories often mention both years: one refers to the launch, while the other refers to formal trademark registration and the wider national rollout.
The Big Mac name also became useful beyond menus. McDonald’s later used the sandwich in comparative price indexes and international advertising, giving the product an unusual role as a recognizable reference point for consumers and economists. The other listed products were introduced under different names and timelines.