WHAT IS A TRADEMARK SYMBOL
September 06, 2024 | Trademark 101

A trademark symbol indicates a trademark, helps customers recognize it, warns competitors of ownership, and shows if it's registered. There are three symbols: ® for registered trademarks, TM for unregistered trademarks, and SM for service marks. The proper symbol depends on the type of mark and registration status. Trademark symbols are not just symbols; they are powerful assets that play a crucial role in establishing brand recognition, deterring infringement, and safeguarding your intellectual property rights in the competitive marketplace.
Understanding the Trademark Symbol
A trademark symbol is really important and everyone should know what it means. A trademark symbol serves as a visual indicator that the name, logo, phrase, slogan or logo it accompanies is a trademark. These symbols identifies your trademark, helps customers recognize your trademark, gives notice to competitors of your ownership and indicates if your trademark is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. You can use a trademark symbol at any time, ensuring you choose the appropriate one based on whether you are selling goods or services and the trademark's registration status.
Types of Trademark Symbols
There are three types of trademark symbols: (®), TM, and SM. They each signify different trademark rights.
- The TM symbol denotes an unregistered trademark for goods like cars, appliances, and apparel.
- The SM symbol represents a service mark for services such as consulting, dental, and cleaning services.
- The ® symbol is used for registered trademarks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.