TM and ® symbols

When the TM and ® symbols are used

In Italy there are no laws requiring the use of particular symbols to distinguish registered trademarks. In the United States, on the other hand, the use of the following symbols has become widespread: TM and ®.

The first symbol, ®, used next to a distinctive sign, indicates that the trademark has been registered (registered trademark symbol); it is a way to avoid the trademark lapsing due to becoming generic (since the public is, in a sense, reminded that it is always a registered trademark, not a generic denomination or the like).

The second symbol, TM, indicates that the distinctive sign accompanying the symbol is intended to be used as a trademark, or that an application to register the trademark is pending before the trademark and patent office.

From the United States, these symbols have become widely used throughout the world. Regulatory references: Industrial Property Code (CPI), articles 1-28.