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How to handle a name that includes an exclamation point (or other punctuation)?

I am editing a text about a product whose name contains an exclamation point as the final glyph. I don't think that the exclamation point is being used to convey emphasis of any sort. It's my thinking that the inclusion of the glyph was purely visual gimmick--distinguishing it from the character of "exclamation point". What is the protocol for punctuating a sentence that ends with this product name? For example:

The greatest product ever is MyProduct!.

Since I believe the exclamation point to be a glyph and not a character, thus meaning it really isn't being used as punctuation, is ending with a period here appropriate?

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marked as duplicate by F'x, Mitch, Robusto, Dusty, The Raven Sep 16 '11 at 17:26

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2 Answers

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Several brand names use an exclamation mark, presumably to add "visual impact" to the name.

The website Yahoo (Yahoo!) makes use of it. Throughout Yahoo's lengthy Terms of Service the name is used with the accompanying exclamation mark.

This holds good especially if there's a TM or an encircled R next to the brand name. In this case, the style has been registered - better use the name as is, exclamation and all. A Brand Name is a special kind of proper noun, and it includes any and all quirky accoutrements. iPhone, for instance, begins with a lowercase i but this doesn't mean you don't/can't start a sentence with the word.

If the text you're working on is for the company that makes the product, it'd be simpler to just follow the brand guidelines. If it is a general text, see point 15 in Yahoo's terms of service, which uses a period after the word Yahoo!. This would be the ideal usage - as far as the company with the punctuated brand name is concerned.

In a general text that isn't paid for by the brand, you can hijack the exclamation at the end of the word to punctuate the entire sentence.

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:-) The question linked in the comment cites the same example. Didn't see it till after I posted. Consistency in use makes sense, having looked at the replies to the Yahoo question. – Autoresponder Sep 16 '11 at 16:04
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I would apply the same rule applied to quotes containing an exclamation point: The period is not used if a sentence ends with a quote that ends with an exclamation point, or a question mark.

I said, "I love punctuation!"
She asked, "What time is it?"
I am the CEO of ExclamationPoint!

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Yes, quite right. – Barrie England Sep 16 '11 at 16:57

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