Trademark

TM, SM and R Symbol are used to indicate the status of registration of a brand and protection under intellectual property guidelines.

TM symbol

The TM symbol is used when an application has been made trademark registration with the trademark registry. It also means that the status is still under application and yet to get registered. It offers protection to those persons who may try to infringe or misuse the brand.

SM Symbol

SM or Service Mark is a symbol used for those applications that are filed under the classes 35 to 45.  These are relating to services industry. Generally, the TM symbol is used for trademark applications filed under Class 1 to 34. Inter-changeable use of TM or SM for trademark applications under class 35-45 are acceptable.

® Symbol

Once the trademark is registered, the applicant can use the ® symbol next to the logo. The symbol gives the rightful use to the owner of the trademark and also enjoys the privilege and protection from infringement under the Trademark rules and regulations. Unlawful usage of ® symbol without Trademark Registration is illegal.

© Symbol

This symbol refers to protection of literary works, artworks, books, photography, videography, music etc under copyright registration. Copyright has the details such as the copyright holder name and the year of first publication.