The term generic brand refers to a type of consumer product on the market that lacks a widely recognized name or logo because it typically isn't advertised. Generic brands are usually less expensive than their brand name counterparts due to their lack of promotion, which can inflate the cost of a good or service. A generic brand is a consumer product without a widely recognized name or logo because it typically isn't advertised. Generic brands are known for their very basic packaging and labels, and lower prices. A generic drug or pharmaceutical brand may be created when the patent of a name brand drug expires.