TM vs R Trademarks
What does it mean when you see the ™ (Trademark) and ® (Registered Trademark) symbols next to a company’s logo or product name? Although both symbols play a crucial role in protecting intellectual property, they have different legal implications and uses. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between ™ and ® and find out when and how you should use them.
What Does the ™ Symbol Mean?
The ™ symbol stands for “Trademark” and is used to indicate that a word, phrase, logo, or design is being claimed as a trademark, even if it hasn’t been officially registered.
It is commonly used when brands are in the process of registering their trademark but has not been awarded officially yet. As such, in Singapore (and most other countries), using ™ does not give you the same level of legal protection as using ®.
What Does the ® Symbol Mean?
The ® symbol stands for “Registered Trademark”. In Singapore, this can only be used when your trademark has officially been registered with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS). Registration gives you exclusive rights to use the trademark for the goods or services it’s registered under. It offers full legal protection, allowing you as the owner to take legal action against anyone who uses the mark without permission
Using the ® symbol without official registration is illegal in most countries, including Singapore. Doing so could cause you to suffer some legal penalties.
Key Differences Between ™ and ® Symbols
1. Legal Protection
- The ™ symbol offers limited legal protection. It tells others that the brand is claiming the mark, but it doesn’t prevent them from using it.
- The ® symbol offers full legal protection, giving the owner exclusive rights and legal advantage if the mark were infringed.
2. Registration Status
- The ™ symbol can be used for unregistered trademarks, making it useful for brands that are in the process of trademark registration.
- The ® symbol can only be used after a trademark is officially registered.
3. Geographical Limitations
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The ™ symbol can be used globally, regardless of whether the mark is registered or not.
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The ® symbol can only be used in regions where the trademark is registered. For example, if you register a trademark in Singapore, you are only permitted to use the ® symbol in Singapore.
Understanding the difference between ™ and ® is essential if you want to protect your intellectual property. Using the correct symbol helps establish brand ownership and avoid legal complications. It also signals to competitors that your brand is serious about protecting its identity.
For businesses operating in Singapore or internationally, securing trademark registration and using the ® symbol adds value to your brand, improves reputation and protects you from infringement.