A symbol, word, color, sound or phrase that is used to distinguish goods or product from one another is known as a trademark. In other words, it is a right to property of an individual that he owns for his invention.

Most of them are unaware about these symbols and there use. Trademark symbols serve as a notice to the public that the mark preceding the symbol is a trademark.

A trademark symbol can be registered with UPSTO that protects the goods from its imposters. If somehow you are unable to register you unique sign with UPSTO you can accompany it with “common law trademark”.

Common Trademark Symbols and Their Correct Use

• ^TM symbol

The sign distinguishes products from one other. It has a dual role of warning the imposters as well as making the public aware that the company has filed an application for trademark registration. Generally, use of ^TM does not guarantee that the mark owned by the company will be protected by the trademark laws until it gets registered.

The mark is added to emails, documents, webs etc. The process of getting a trademark registered is a complicated process as it occurs under certain stringent rules. There is a straightforward procedure provided by USTO to get your trademark registered though it is beneficial to hire a trademark specialist who can help you in such matters.

• ^R symbol

The circled ^R symbol can be used after the mark has been registered by UPSTO. If you find that the application is still under process, you can continue using ^{TM or SM} mark.   If you start using the circled ^R symbol before registration, you may violate the federal laws and on these grounds, your application may be rejected.

After the registration, the owner can continue to use the mark and get it renewed after a specific period of time as defined by UPSTO by paying minimum fee. The symbol can only be used with the goods or the products that are mentioned in the federal registration, use of symbol with other products violates the law and may result in cancellation of the registration.

• ^SM symbol

This symbol is similar to ^TM symbol, it is an indication of claim of rights under law. The symbol is used in combination with service symbols or marks and generally used for plumbing business, banking, and other legal services. Similar to ^TM, use of symbol ^{SM does} not necessarily protect your product from getting hacked or copied until it gets registered.

• C symbol

The circled C symbol is the reserved copyright symbol and is generally used in concern with artwork, photography, videography etc. The name of the registering person and the year of first publication is also used along with the symbol. The symbol is an indication that a person legally owns or has a right for the work he/she has worked on. The symbol protects products, goods or somebody’s work from copyright infringement failure of which may lead to punishment or penalty.