A word mark protects the name or slogan of your brand in plain text, without any styling. It gives you exclusive rights to use the name regardless of font, design, or colour.

What is a logo (figurative) mark?

A logo mark protects the design or stylisation of your brand. This includes colours, fonts, layout, and imagery used in your logo. It only protects that specific design.

Which trademark should I register first?

If you're on a budget or just starting out, registering a word mark is best. It gives broader protection and flexibility if your logo changes in the future.

Trademark Symbols Explained: TM Symbol, Trademark R, Registered Symbol & R Symbol

13 Jan

Written By Oneandonlychildhoods Team

If you’re building a brand, understanding trademark symbols is essential. The tm symbol, trademark r, registered symbol, r symbol, and registered trademark symbol all serve different legal and commercial purposes. Using the wrong symbol — or using the right one incorrectly — can weaken your brand protection or even create legal risks.

This guide explains exactly what each symbol means, when to use it, and how it protects your business.

What Is the TM Symbol?

The tm symbol (™) is the most widely used trademark indicator. It shows that a business is claiming rights over a name, logo, slogan, or brand — even if the trademark is not registered.

You can use the tm symbol immediately, without filing anything, and without approval from a trademark office.

Key points about the TM symbol

The tm symbol stands for “trademark”
It can be used with unregistered trademarks
It is commonly used while a trademark application is pending
It signals ownership and brand intent to the public

Businesses often place the tm symbol next to product names, logos, taglines, and brand identifiers. While the tm symbol does not provide registered trademark rights, it helps establish common law rights and acts as a public warning to competitors.

Trademark R, Registered Symbol & R Symbol Explained

The registered trademark symbol, commonly called the trademark r, registered symbol, or r symbol (®), has a very different legal meaning from the tm symbol.

The registered trademark symbol can only be used once a trademark has been officially registered with a national trademark office.

What the registered symbol means

Your trademark is legally registered
You have exclusive rights in the registered territory
You can take stronger legal action against infringement
Your brand has higher commercial credibility

Using the r symbol without registration is not just incorrect — in many countries, it is illegal and may expose you to penalties.

TM Symbol vs Registered Trademark Symbol

Understanding the difference between the tm symbol and the registered trademark symbol is crucial. The tm symbol (™) does not require registration and can be used even if no trademark application has been filed. The legal protection provided by the tm symbol is limited, but it can be used during the trademark application process and does not indicate official registration.

By contrast, the registered trademark symbol (®) does require registration and offers strong legal protection. It cannot be used while a trademark application is pending and clearly indicates that the trademark has been officially registered.

Most businesses start by using the tm symbol and then switch to the registered trademark symbol once registration is granted.

When Should You Use the TM Symbol?

You should use the tm symbol when:

Your trademark is not yet registered
Your application is pending
You want to claim brand ownership early
You operate in markets where registration is not yet secured

Using the tm symbol early helps deter copycats and strengthens your position if a dispute arises later.

When Can You Use the Registered Symbol or R Symbol?

You may only use the registered trademark symbol, registered symbol, or r symbol when:

Your trademark is fully registered
The symbol is used only in registered territories
The mark is used exactly as registered

Once registered, switching from the tm symbol to the registered trademark symbol signals maximum brand protection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many businesses misuse trademark symbols. Here are the most common errors:

Using the r symbol before registration
Assuming the tm symbol gives registered rights
Using the registered symbol in countries where the mark is not registered
Forgetting to update branding after registration

Correct use of the tm symbol and registered trademark symbol protects both your legal position and your reputation.

Where Should You Place the TM or R Symbol?

Best practice is to place the tm symbol or registered trademark symbol:

Immediately after the brand name or logo
In superscript where possible
On first or most prominent use

Examples:

BrandName™ (using the tm symbol)
BrandName® (using the registered trademark symbol)

Why Trademark Symbols Matter for Your Brand

Using the correct trademark symbol:

Strengthens brand credibility
Deters infringement
Supports enforcement actions
Signals professionalism and trust
Protects long-term business value

Whether you use the tm symbol, trademark r, registered symbol, or registered trademark symbol, consistency and correctness are key.

Final Takeaway

Use the tm symbol early and often while your trademark is unregistered
Use the registered trademark symbol (®) only after registration
Never misuse the r symbol
Trademark symbols are small - but legally powerful

Oneandonlychildhoods Team