Final answer:
Amazon was able to gain trademark protection for its name because it has acquired distinctiveness over time and developed a strong brand identity
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason Amazon was able to gain trademark protection for its name, despite being a geographic reference to a region in South America, is due to distinctiveness acquired over time and the development of secondary meaning associated with the name. Trademarks can acquire distinctiveness through extensive use and recognition by consumers, even if they initially refer to a geographic location.
Amazon has built a strong brand identity and consumer recognition around its name, which has allowed it to overcome any potential barriers based on geographic descriptiveness.