What Does the ® Symbol Mean?
Understanding the registered trademark symbol.
The ® symbol stands for "Registered Trademark." It indicates that a trademark has actually been federally registered with the USPTO — not just applied for.
When can you use ®?
Generally, only after your mark has been federally registered. Once the USPTO issues a registration, you can place ® next to the mark when used in connection with the specific goods/services covered by that registration.
Filing an application does not give you permission to use ®. This is one of the most common misunderstandings we see. Many applicants assume that once they've submitted their application, they can start using ® — but the symbol is reserved for marks that have completed the registration process.
What should you use before registration?
Before your mark is registered, you can generally use TM (for goods) or SM (for services) to indicate that you're claiming the mark as a trademark, even without federal registration. See our full TM vs SM vs ® guide for the complete comparison.
Why does this matter?
Using ® incorrectly can create legal and credibility issues. It misrepresents your mark's status to competitors, partners, and customers, and could complicate future enforcement efforts. It's a small detail that's worth getting right from day one.
Quick summary
- ® = federally registered
- TM/SM = claiming a mark, registered or not
- No symbol required by law, but using the correct one protects your credibility