How to Do Tm Symbol

A Complete Guide

Companies want brands. A specialty name, slogan, or mark might be that one special thing to make your company the exception. But who guards those identifying features from use or imitation by another company? That is where trademarks enter the picture. Throughout the course of this guide, we will be looking at the use of the TM symbol, a highly beneficial element of intellectual property trademarking. We will also let you know how AnalystIP tools can be used to assist TM symbol application.

What is the TM Symbol?

TM stands for “trademark” and is normally utilized by a person or business enterprise to claim rights towards a particular mark, name, or symbol of a mark or product name. It is utilized mostly even before the state registration of the trademark.

The ™ symbol is a reminder that you are asserting your right to the said symbol. Yes, you are using the symbol for trade and reminding everyone that the name or symbol is not public use.

Key Things to Remember:

• TM stands for “trademark.”
• Place it on a mark (name, symbol, or slogan) to remind you that the mark is of some specific product or service.
• TM is not registered but owns the mark over the registered trademark symbol (®).

Why Use the TM Symbol?

1. Assert Ownership: Placing the TM symbol after your name, logo, or slogan indicates that you own it.
2. Legal Protection: The TM mark by itself does not provide legal protection (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or equivalent registering agency of your country), but it will deter copiers from earning income with copy or similar marks.
3. Provide Your Mark with Official Status: Place the TM symbol above your mark so that your mark is legally yours and convey the confidence to consumers which makes them believe and trust. Consumers begin using your mark on your product.
4. Limit Competitors: To the target customers of the same or similar mark, the TM symbol is a notice that the mark, logo, or slogan is used and therefore deter them from infringement.

The TM Symbol Tutorial

You can just place the TM symbol, but you have to place it where you should so you can derive the most benefit from placing it there. This is where you place the TM symbol for your company:

1. Logos, Brand Names, or Slogans:

• Place the ™ symbol behind your name, logo, or slogan that you would want to use as your trademark. Example: “Super Clean Laundry Detergent™.”

2. Legal Documents

• When composing business contracts, brand manuals, or intellectual property contracts, you may use the TM symbol to designate your business assets as trademarks.

3. On Marketing and Packaging Materials:

• Placing the TM symbol on packets, brochures, websites, and ads communicates to the public and competitors alike that you own the brand mark.

4. On Digital Platforms

• Websites and digital media platforms can also display the TM symbol next to logos, product names, and brand slogans. Most website builders and e-commerce platforms allow you to insert symbols like TM easily.

5. On Product Listings

• When you are going to sell offline or online, it is recommended that you put the TM symbol on your trademarked products. It creates an impression that your business is well established and legally secured.

Where Can I Find the TM Symbol?

TM can be typed normally in the “Insert” menu within word-processing software like Microsoft Word and Google Docs. It is also used within other Unicode modes to type online, on cell phones, and blog sites as well. Its most common mode of entry is:

• Microsoft Word: Enter letters “TM” and then hit Alt+0153 from the keyboard (if Windows) or Option + 2 (mac).
• HTML: ™ or ™ using HTML.
• Windows: Alt key and input 0153 using numeric keypad
• Mac: Option + 2.
• Mobile Phones: TM symbol is typed in most of the mobile phones searching for it on phone’s symbol or special characters keypad.

TM and ® difference

Develop an extremely different context between “TM” and Registered Trademark “®”. That’s how it is produced with simple language:

• TM (Trademark): Anyone claiming that he/she/it is the owner of a name, logo, or a word can use the TM symbol without state registration. It indicates that the mark is used but not necessarily legal rights.
• ® (Registered Trademark): Where the trademark has been registered in the respective government department (e.g., USPTO in the United States of America) alone can the symbol ® be utilized. This grants absolute protection under law to the proprietor, along with exclusive right to use the mark within the country.
• Observation: Placing the ® symbol in a situation where one does not own a registered trademark is an offence against the law and could be punishable.

Steps to Register a Trademark

1. Choose a Mark: Start by selecting a name, logo, or slogan which is distinctive and for your company.
2. Search Availability: Conduct a search in the register of trademarks so as to determine whether your mark is already employed.
3. This can be searched on the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) or from other trademark filings.
4. File an Application: If the mark is distinctive, file an application with the USPTO (or your home country’s trademark office). It can be filed electronically.
5. Examination and Grant: The trademark application is then examined by a trademark examiner after it’s been filed. Where there’s no objection, the trademark is advertised for opposition, where people can object.
6. Get Registered: After you get no objection, you are registered and you can put the symbol ® to show your trademark is full protection.

Conclusion

The TM mark is a benefit to any business or person who wishes to protect their intellectual property. Using it the correct way, you can own a particular brand or product in your name. The TM mark, even though not as protected as a registered trademark, is the second best thing that you have to protect your brand.

Whether you are a new business or an established one, placing the TM symbol on top of your company materials is a notice against infringing and unauthorized use. And if you also want to better safeguard your trademark, you can outsource service providers such as AnalystIP that will be able to help you with trademark registration and intellectual property law issues.

How AnalystIP Helps Trademark Symbols

AnalystIP offers a range of intellectual property services through which companies can safeguard their brand assets. When using trademark symbols, AnalystIP simplifies it by guiding you through the right use of TM and ® symbols.

They offer trademark search services to determine if your trademark is free to use prior to using it and advise you on how to register trademarks. They will protect you from acquiring any legal problems in trademark infringement. They also offer your ongoing support and expert guidance in asserting and defending your trademarks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.) Can I use the TM symbol without registering my trademark?

You can place the TM symbol to show that you are claiming a trademark.

2.) What happens if I use the TM symbol after my trademark is registered?

After registering your trademark, you can use the ® symbol in place of the TM symbol, which has greater protection under the law.

3.) Where should I use the TM symbol?

You can put the TM symbol on your web site, containers, billboards, and legal documents so that you can notify other individuals that you are using your trademark.

4.) Can I use the TM symbol for any mark?

Yes, you may put the TM symbol on any mark that you are using in commerce, whether or not registered. You cannot put the ® symbol, however, until you register your trademark.

5.) How does AnalystIP help with trademark protection?

AnalystIP offers trademark search, trademark filing, and professional advice on the correct usage of TM and ® symbols so that your intellectual property will be defended.