What Are The Trademark Symbols – ®, TM, SM – Which One Should You Use?

Trademarks are words, phrases, symbols, or designs that identify the source of goods or services. They can be anything from a company name to a logo to a slogan. Trademarks are important because they help consumers to identify the products and services that they want and to trust.

There are three main trademark symbols: ®, TM, and SM.

• ® stands for registered trademark. This symbol can only be used with trademarks that have been registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• TM stands for trademark. This symbol can be used with trademarks that are not yet registered with the USPTO, but that the owner intends to register.
• SM stands for service mark. This symbol is used with trademarks that are used to identify services, rather than goods.

Which trademark symbol should you use? If you have not yet registered your trademark with the USPTO, you should use the TM symbol. If you have registered your trademark with the USPTO, you can use the ® symbol. However, you can continue to use the TM symbol even if you have registered your trademark.

It is important to note that using a trademark symbol does not give you any additional trademark rights. However, using a trademark symbol can help to deter others from using your trademark without permission. It can also help to educate consumers about your trademark and to create a stronger brand identity.

Here are some tips for using trademark symbols:

• Use the trademark symbol consistently. Every time you use your trademark, you should use the appropriate trademark symbol.
• Use the trademark symbol in a prominent place. The trademark symbol should be easy for consumers to see.
• Use the trademark symbol in all marketing materials. This includes your website, social media pages, brochures, and advertisements.
• Use the trademark symbol in the correct way. The trademark symbol should be placed immediately after the trademark. For example, if your trademark is “Google,” you would write “Google®.”

If you have any questions about trademark symbols, you should consult with an attorney.