There is only one hard and fast rule for using the TM, SM or ® symbols-DO NOT USE THE SUPERSCRIPTED ENCIRCLED R (®) UNLESS YOU HAVE A VALID REGISTRATION FROM THE US TRADEMARK OFFICE. The superscripted TM and SM may be used to indicate that the user is using the mark in a trademark sense, regardless [...]
The symbol ® is a notice of registered ownership used in many countries or regions to advise the public that a trademark or service mark is registered and to provide constructive notice of the legal ownership status of the mark with which it is used. The ® symbol should be used only in connection with registered trademarks or service [...]
The symbol SM functions similarly to the symbol TM, in that it is used to provide notice of a claim of common-law rights in a mark; however, it is used in connection with a service mark, covering services, such as banking or legal services, rather than tangible goods. Use of the SM symbol does not guarantee that the owner’s [...]
The symbol TM is used to provide notice of a claim of common-law rights in a trademark. A TM usually is used in connection with an unregistered mark, to inform potential infringers that a term, slogan, logo or other indicator is being claimed as a trademark. Use of the TM symbol does not guarantee that the owner’s mark will be [...]
Our definition of Intellectual Property (IP) may be a bit informal than more formal or institutional definitions. We see IP as patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets (e.g., proprietary "know-how"). The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) published a handy e-book explaining what Intellectual Property (IP) is. The e-book in the PDF format can be found [...]