Crossword Genius

How initially ownership may be established (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

monogram

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'how initially ownership' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'be established' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'be' could be 'am' and 'am' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'may' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for monogram that I've seen before include "Initial pairing" , "Type of Personal Identification" , "Symbolic initials" , "Motif of interwoven letters" , "Personal logo" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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