Confused about IP Symbols – ®TM©SM?!?!
Are you confused about when you can use ®, what is SM, and do you need a registration for ©? Here’s a quick break down of the various symbols denoting claims of ownership for intellectual property. The symbol ® may only be used in connection with a trademark or service mark that has been registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The symbols TM and SM, denoting trademark (for goods) and service mark (for services), respectively, may be used if you are claiming rights in the name, logo or slogan, but have not registered that name, logo or slogan with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The © symbol may be used in connection with written materials, such as a website, manuscript, articles, lyrics or architectural plans, in which you are claiming copyright ownership. Registration with the United States Copyright Office, although available, is not required to use the © symbol. –Nicole J. Harrell
