Trademark Unicode: Can You Protect Symbols & Emojis?

If you’ve ever tried to brand your business with a symbol, emoji, or special character, you’ve probably wondered: Can this actually be trademarked?

That question is exactly why trademark unicode has become a high-intent search term. Founders, creatives, app developers, and online businesses are increasingly using Unicode characters—from emojis to stylised symbols—to stand out in crowded markets.

This guide breaks it all down in plain English, so you can understand:

• What trademark unicode really means

• whether Unicode characters can be registered as trademarks

• The benefits and risks for your brand

• practical examples and common pitfalls

No legal jargon. Just clear, useful guidance.

What Does “Trademark Unicode” Mean?

Unicode is a global text standard that allows computers to display characters consistently across languages and platforms.

It includes:

• Emojis

• Currency symbols (£ € ¥)

• Mathematical and technical symbols (∞ ✓ ©)

• Accented and non-Latin characters (é ñ 漢字)

When people search for trademark unicode, they’re usually asking one of these questions:

• Can I trademark an emoji in my brand name?

• Can a symbol be protected as a trademark?

• Will Unicode characters cause problems with trademark registration?

Short answer: sometimes yes—but with important limitations.

Can Unicode Characters Be Trademarked in the UK?

In the UK, trademarks are assessed by the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO).

Unicode characters can appear in trademarks, but registration depends on how they function in the mark.

Word Marks vs Logo Marks (Important Distinction)

1. Word Marks (Most Restrictive)

If you apply for a word mark, the UKIPO focuses on the text itself, not how it looks.

• Emojis usually cannot be registered as word marks

• Symbols may be rejected if they lack clear wording

• Unicode characters are often “normalised” to plain text

  Example: Trying to register FIT as a word mark is likely to fail because is not considered a standard word element.

2. Logo Marks (More Flexible)

Unicode symbols are far more likely to be accepted when included as part of a logo mark.

Here, the examiner looks at:

• visual distinctiveness

• overall impression

• whether the logo can identify the commercial origin

  Example: A stylised logo featuring alongside the word FIT may be registrable as a logo, even if it is not protectable.

Why Trademark Unicode Matters for Modern Brands

Unicode branding is exploding because it:

• works well on social media

• feels modern and visual

• stands out in app icons and digital products

But trademark protection hasn’t fully caught up with creative branding trends.

If you rely heavily on symbols or emojis without understanding trademark rules, you risk:

• weak legal protection

• enforcement difficulties

• costly rebrands later

For digital-first businesses, this matters more than ever.

Benefits of Using Unicode in Trademarks

Visual Differentiation

Symbols and emojis instantly grab attention.

Strong Branding on Digital Platforms

Perfect for apps, NFTs, gaming, wellness brands, and social media-led businesses.

Logo-Based Protection

Unicode elements can still be protected within a logo, offering partial trademark coverage.

Risks and Limitations You Must Know

Weak Enforcement

You usually cannot stop others from using the same emoji or symbol on its own.

Platform Inconsistency

Emojis look different across Apple, Android, Windows, and web browsers—this can dilute brand recognition.

Search & Filing Issues

Trademark databases often:

• Ignore emojis in searches

• treat symbols as decorative

• normalise Unicode characters

This increases the risk of conflicting marks slipping through.

Practical Trademark Unicode Examples

Example 1: Emoji-Led Fitness Brand

FIT

• Word mark: High risk of refusal

• Logo mark with stylised: Possible

• Protection mainly covers the visual logo, not the emoji itself

Example 2: Symbol-Heavy Tech Startup

∞ Labs

• Infinity symbol alone: Not distinctive

• Combined with LABS and strong branding: Potentially registrable as a logo

Example 3: Accent Characters

Café Luna

• Accented letters are usually fine

• But protection often extends to non-accented equivalents (Cafe Luna)

Best Practice: How to Protect a Unicode-Based Brand

Register the Word Without the Symbol

Protect the core name first.

File a Logo Trademark Separately

Include the Unicode symbol as part of a distinctive design.

Run a Proper Trademark Search

Unicode marks require expanded search logic—many conflicts are not obvious.

Don’t Rely on Emojis Alone

They are rarely enforceable on their own.

FAQs About Trademark Unicode

Can you trademark an emoji in the UK?

Generally, no, not on its own. Emojis may be registrable only as part of a logo.

Are Unicode characters treated differently by UKIPO?

Yes. They are often considered decorative unless they clearly identify the brand.

Can I stop others from using the same emoji?

Almost never. Emojis are considered public symbols.

Should I avoid Unicode in brand names?

Not necessarily—but don’t rely on it as your only distinctive element.

Do Unicode trademarks cause problems internationally?

Yes. Emoji interpretation and trademark treatment vary widely by country.

Final Thoughts: Is Trademark Unicode Worth It?

Unicode elements can be great for branding, but weak for legal protection if handled incorrectly.

The safest strategy is:

• Protect the word brand first

• Add Unicode symbols through logo trademarks

• Run a proper trademark search before launch

If your brand uses emojis, symbols, or special characters, it’s especially important to get the structure right from day one.

Soft CTA: If you’re unsure whether your Unicode-based brand can be protected—or want a clear answer before you invest—getting a professional trademark search can save you serious time and money later.