What is the difference between ®, “TM”, and “SM”?
The symbol “TM” stands for trademark. The symbol “SM” stands for service mark. Both of these are informal symbols that indicate you claim common law trademark rights to a name or logo. These two symbols are used prior to obtaining full federal registration. The symbol ®, the phrase “Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office,” or the abbreviation “Reg U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off.” denote that the mark has been granted full federal registration. This means that the owner of the mark may prosecute anyone who uses the mark without permission.
