Trademark Symbols: ™ vs. ® vs. ℠ and When to Use Each

Published by the Registry Consulting team · How we researchSources linked in this guideNot a law firm · no legal adviceTalk to a trademark attorney

Updated November 1, 2026

Office date stamp on a desk — Photo: Dvortygirl, CC BY 4.0

Registry Consulting is an independent information site, not a law firm, and does not give legal advice. Guides are general information about U.S. trademark law.

Quick answer: Anyone can use ™ (goods) or ℠ (services) to claim a mark, with or without a registration. Only use ® once the USPTO has actually registered your mark, and only for the goods or services listed in the registration.

The symbols are a cheap way to signal that you treat a name as a brand, but ® has a legal meaning.

What each symbol means

Symbol	Meaning	Registration needed?
™	Claimed trademark for goods	No
℠	Claimed service mark	No
®	Federally registered mark	Yes, only after the USPTO registers it

Don't jump the gun with ®

Using ® while your application is pending, or for goods not covered by the registration, can be treated as misuse and may cause problems when you try to enforce or register the mark. Use ™ or ℠ until registration issues.

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How to type them

Symbol	Windows	Mac	HTML
™	Alt+0153	Option+2	™
®	Alt+0174	Option+R	®
℠	Insert from the character map	Character Viewer	℠

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Trademark rules and fees change; confirm current details on the USPTO website or with a licensed attorney.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the TM symbol without registering?

Yes. The ™ symbol can be used to claim rights in a mark for goods whether or not you have filed an application.

When can I use the ® symbol?

Only after the USPTO registers your mark, and only with the goods or services listed in the registration.