Trademark Symbols Explained

A trademark is a type of intellectual property, and normally a name, phrase word, logo, symbol, design, image and a combination of these elements. There is also a range of non-conventional trademarks comprising marks, which do not fall into these normal categories. It’s usually done in order to protect the identity of the brand and maintain its uniqueness. A trademark separates the identity of the brand with other existing facsimiles and dubious competitors, eliminating the scope of ambiguity, unlawful and unauthorized usage of the brand name. Trademark law safeguards the proprietors and their interests in the marketplace. These laws protect the owners that registered their service mark. Trademark constitutional rights affect the interest of applicant, businesses or owner with respect to intellectual.

There are numbers of symbols that are frequently used with a copyright or trademark that indicates certain aspects certain aspects of intellectual property registration like TM, R, C , which might create confusion to the applicants. So here are all the different symbols of Intellectual property registration explained:

TM – Trade Mark Symbol

This symbol is used when an application for trademark registration is submitted at the trademark registry. It symbolizes that an application for the Trademark Registration is submitted to the registry and is under scrutiny. Using the symbol TM also depicts as a warning to the infringers to avoid the unlawful use of the brand name.

SM – Service Mark Symbol

‘SM’ stands for service mark. It is just the service equivalent of TM. A service based venture needs to use this while getting their Trademark registered. These services fall under classes 35 to 45. However, there is no restriction for the applicant to use the symbol TM instead of SM and vice versa.

® – Registered Symbol

The R symbol denotes a trademark which has been registered with the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP). The use of the symbol may only occur after the DIPP registers the mark. Registering your trademark gives you superior rights over others in the country to use your trademark in your industry, and it provides you with the ability to obtain treble damages against infringers. Not only will a registered trademark deter imitators, it also provides the owner with the legal evidence to support its interest in court. A registered trademark would always have leverage over the unregistered one.

© – Copyright Symbol

Copyright is for original works of literature, drama, music, art or intellectual property. A piece of work automatically receives copyright protection as soon as it’s finished. Available to published and unpublished works, a copyright gives the owner the exclusive right to reproduce the work, prepare derivative works, distribute copies and display the work publicly.