How to Insert a Trademark Symbol in Word
Adding a trademark symbol to a document may seem like a small detail, but it can make your brand name, product name, or logo look more professional.
Whether you are preparing a business proposal, product brochure, legal document or marketing campaign, Microsoft Word gives you several simple ways to insert the ™ trademark symbol or the ® registered trademark symbol.
In this guide, we explain how to insert a trademark symbol in Word using keyboard shortcuts, the Symbol menu, AutoCorrect, and Unicode codes. We will also explain the important difference between ™ and ® so that you do not accidentally use the wrong symbol.
What Does the Trademark Symbol Mean?
The trademark symbol usually appears as the letters TM in superscript:
Example Brand™
Businesses commonly use the ™ symbol to indicate that they consider a word, phrase, logo or other sign to be associated with their products or services.
Using ™ does not necessarily mean that the trademark has been formally registered. It is often used for a brand that is unregistered or while a trademark application is being considered.
The registered trademark symbol appears as an R inside a circle:
Example Brand®
The ® symbol should generally only be used when the relevant trademark has been officially registered in the country where the products or services are being promoted.
How Do You Insert a Trademark Symbol in Word?
There are several ways to insert the trademark symbol in Microsoft Word. The best method depends on your device, keyboard, and how frequently you need to use the symbol.
Method 1: Use the Word Symbol Menu
The Symbol menu is one of the easiest options because it does not require you to remember a keyboard shortcut.
To insert the trademark symbol:
Place your cursor where you want the symbol to appear.
Select Insert from the Word toolbar.
Click Symbol.
Select More Symbols if the symbol is not immediately visible.
Find and select the ™ trademark symbol.
Click Insert.
You can follow the same process to insert the ® registered trademark symbol.
This method is particularly useful when you are working on a laptop without a separate numerical keypad.
Method 2: Use the Trademark Symbol Shortcut on Windows
Windows users can insert the trademark symbol using an Alt code.
For the ™ trademark symbol:
Hold Alt and type 0153
For the ® registered trademark symbol:
Hold Alt and type 0174
These numbers normally need to be entered using the numerical keypad. The shortcut may not work when you use the number keys along the top of the keyboard.
The result should appear as:
Trademark symbol: ™
Registered trademark symbol: ®
Method 3: Use a Unicode Shortcut in Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word also supports Unicode character codes.
To insert the ™ symbol:
Type 2122.
Press Alt + X.
Word should convert the code into ™.
To insert the ® symbol:
Type 00AE.
Press Alt + X.
Word should convert the code into ®.
This method can be useful when your computer does not have a numerical keypad.
Method 4: Insert a Trademark Symbol on a Mac
Mac users can use the following keyboard shortcuts:
Press Option + 2 to insert ™
Press Option + R to insert ®
Place the cursor immediately after the brand name and use the appropriate shortcut.
For example:
Sort My Mark™
The symbol should appear automatically without needing to open the Symbol menu.
Method 5: Copy and Paste the Symbol
You can also copy one of the symbols below and paste it into your Word document:
™
®
This is a simple solution when you only need the symbol once. However, learning a shortcut can save time if you regularly prepare branded documents.
How Can You Add the Trademark Symbol Automatically?
Microsoft Word’s AutoCorrect feature can automatically turn certain characters into symbols.
In many versions of Word:
Typing (tm) may convert to ™
Typing (r) may convert to ®
If this does not happen automatically, you can create your own AutoCorrect entry.
Go to:
File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options
You can then create a replacement rule. For example, you could instruct Word to replace “tmsymbol” with ™.
This can be helpful for businesses that frequently use trademark symbols in letters, proposals, contracts or marketing documents.
Should the Trademark Symbol Be Superscript?
The ™ and ® characters are already designed to appear smaller and higher than ordinary text. In most cases, you do not need to manually apply superscript formatting.
A trademark symbol is normally placed immediately after the protected name or logo without a space:
Correct: Example Brand™
Usually unnecessary: Example Brand ™
You may also choose to use the symbol only when the trademark first appears prominently in a document. Repeating it after every mention can make the text difficult to read.
The right approach may depend on your branding guidelines, the type of document and the legal status of the mark.
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Why Does Correct Trademark Symbol Use Matter?
Correct use of trademark symbols can help communicate that a business takes its brand identity seriously.
It may also help:
Identify a name, slogan or logo as a trademark
Distinguish a brand from ordinary descriptive wording
Inform competitors and customers that trademark rights are being claimed
Present the brand consistently across business materials
Avoid incorrectly presenting an unregistered mark as registered
The symbol itself does not automatically create a registered trademark. Registration normally requires a formal application and approval from the relevant intellectual property office.
What Are the Risks of Using the Wrong Trademark Symbol?
The main risk is using the ® symbol for a trademark that has not been registered.
The registered trademark symbol makes a specific representation about the legal status of the mark. Using it incorrectly could mislead customers, competitors or business partners.
You should also remember that trademark registrations are usually limited by territory and by the goods or services covered by the registration.
For example, a trademark registered in the United Kingdom may not automatically be registered in the European Union, the United States or other markets.
The ™ symbol may be more appropriate where a business is claiming trademark rights but has not secured registration. However, displaying ™ does not guarantee that the name is available or that using it will not infringe someone else’s rights.
A proper trademark clearance search should normally be completed before investing heavily in a new brand.
Practical Examples of Trademark Symbols in Word
Here are some examples of how trademark symbols may appear in a Word document.
Unregistered Brand Name
Northfield Coffee™
This suggests that the business is treating “Northfield Coffee” as a trademark, but it does not claim that the mark is registered.
Registered Brand Name
Northfield Coffee®
This should only be used where “Northfield Coffee” has been successfully registered for the relevant products or services and territory.
Trademarked Slogan
Made for Better Mornings™
The ™ symbol can also be used after a slogan that a business considers part of its brand identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the keyboard shortcut for the trademark symbol in Word?
On Windows, hold Alt and type 0153 using the numerical keypad. You can also type 2122 and press Alt + X in Microsoft Word.
On a Mac, press Option + 2.
How do I insert the registered trademark symbol in Word?
Use Insert > Symbol and select ®. On Windows, you can hold Alt and type 0174. On a Mac, press Option + R.
Can I use the ™ symbol without registering a trademark?
The ™ symbol is commonly used in relation to unregistered trademarks. However, using the symbol does not confirm that the brand is legally available or automatically give you registered rights.
Can I use the ® symbol while my application is pending?
You should generally wait until the trademark has been officially registered before using the ® symbol. A pending application is not the same as a completed registration.
Does adding ™ protect my business name?
Adding ™ can show that you are claiming a name as a trademark, but the symbol alone does not provide the same benefits as formal registration. Your rights will depend on factors such as earlier use, reputation, location and whether similar trademarks already exist.
Conclusion
Knowing how to insert a trademark symbol in Word allows you to present your business name, product or slogan consistently across professional documents.
You can add the ™ or ® symbol through Word’s Symbol menu, a keyboard shortcut, Unicode or AutoCorrect. The technical process is simple, but choosing the correct symbol is equally important.
Use ™ when claiming a trademark that is not registered, and reserve ® for trademarks that have completed the registration process in the relevant territory.
Before launching a new name or applying for protection, consider completing a professional trademark search. Sort My Mark helps businesses check brand availability, select the appropriate trademark classes and manage UK trademark applications from search to registration.
This article provides general information and should not be treated as legal advice for a specific trademark matter.