Adding the trademark symbol (™) to your brand is a simple yet significant step in protecting your intellectual property and establishing brand recognition. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of how to correctly add the trademark symbol, along with crucial legal considerations.
Understanding the Trademark Symbol (™)
The ™ symbol, officially known as the trademark symbol, indicates that a word, phrase, symbol, or design is being used as a trademark or service mark. Crucially, it doesn't mean you've officially registered your mark with a government agency. Registration provides stronger legal protection, but the ™ symbol serves as a notice to others that you claim ownership.
Key Differences Between ™ and ®
- ™ (Trademark Symbol): Used for unregistered trademarks. Indicates a claim of ownership.
- ® (Registered Trademark Symbol): Used only after your trademark is officially registered with a relevant government agency (like the USPTO in the US). Provides stronger legal protection.
How to Add the Trademark Symbol in Different Programs
Adding the ™ symbol is straightforward in most word processing and design software:
Adding the Trademark Symbol in Microsoft Word
- Insert Symbol: Go to the "Insert" tab.
- Symbols: Select "Symbol," then "More Symbols."
- Find the Symbol: In the "Font" dropdown menu, choose "Normal Text" or a similar default font. Scroll through the symbols until you find the ™ symbol. Select it and click "Insert."
Adding the Trademark Symbol in Google Docs
- Insert Special Character: Click "Insert" > "Special characters."
- Search for Trademark: Type "trademark" in the search bar. Select the ™ symbol and click "Insert."
Adding the Trademark Symbol on a Mac
- Keyboard Shortcut (Option + 2): The quickest way is usually a keyboard shortcut. Hold down the "Option" key and press the number "2."
Adding the Trademark Symbol in Other Software (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.)
Most design software will have a similar "Insert Symbol" or "Character Map" function. Consult your software's help documentation if you're having trouble locating it. You might need to select a font like Arial or Times New Roman to ensure the symbol appears correctly.
Legal Considerations When Using the Trademark Symbol
While using the ™ symbol is simple, understanding its limitations is essential:
- It's Not Legal Protection: The ™ symbol is a notice, not legal protection. It alerts others to your claim, but it doesn't prevent infringement.
- Proper Usage: Use the ™ symbol only after a word, phrase, symbol, design, or logo that you claim as a trademark.
- Consistency is Key: Use the symbol consistently for all instances of your trademark. Inconsistency can weaken your claim.
- Consider Registration: For stronger legal protection, consider registering your trademark with the relevant government agency in your country. This grants you legal rights and allows you to use the ® symbol.
Best Practices for Trademark Symbol Usage
- Placement: Place the ™ symbol slightly above and to the right of the marked word or logo.
- Font: Use a standard font that's easily readable.
- Clarity: Ensure your trademark is clearly identifiable.
By following these steps and understanding the legal implications, you can effectively and appropriately add the trademark symbol to your brand, protecting your intellectual property and reinforcing your brand identity. Remember, while the ™ symbol provides notice, official trademark registration offers the strongest level of protection.
