What is the difference between the ™, ®, and ©?
Have you seen people using these symbols and wondered what they mean? You are NOT alone!
Significance of the ™ symbol
The "™" symbol means that the user is claiming rights to the brand without registering the mark. This symbol give notice of ownership of rights alerting potential infringers that the mark is being claimed as a trademark. They offer no real legal protection but can, however, be used as a deterrent.You may also see people using the “℠” symbol. “℠” means ‘service mark’ and is supposed to be used for services, whereas "™" (trademark) should be used for goods. However, ™ is commonly applied to both. Significance of the ® symbol
The "®" symbol signifies that your trademark is officially registered with the IP office in the country and for the goods and services that you are using it for. This gives you legal ownership of your trademark. It also constitutes a claim of having stronger trademark rights than a "™" mark, which only claims use of a certain sign, independent of actual registration.Significance of the © symbol
The © symbol is an abbreviation for copyright. Its automatic and there is no legal requirement to register it. Copyright gives the creator of an original literary, musical, film, screen or artistic work including computer software and architecture legal rights for a limited period of time. In the United States, copyright protection lasts for the life of the artist plus 70 years.Want more information or ready to begin your brand protection journey? Go ahead and schedule a consultation to get started!
