There are still many who get confused around the two trademarking symbols seen beside logos or brand names. When you go to any place, you may see an ® or a ™ and wonder what they mean or when they are supposed be used on a logo or brand name. Should these symbols have specific functions? Should they be only used on specific products?

Aside from this problem is how to input these symbols when you want to type them in your laptop or tablet. Where can you copy and paste these symbols? What makes it even more complicated is the platform you’re using. Are you using Windows or iOS? Are you using a phone? Is there a specific way to type these symbols per platform?

Good news! In this article you will learn all about these trademarking symbols, what they mean and how they’re used plus how to type them in all platforms. Read more below!

TM and R—why do these symbols matter?

As you can see, these symbols are not used together in any brand or logo that you see. Why is that? Well to start things off, the ™ and the ® are used for trademarks but the difference is the protection it gives your brand or logo.

The ™ symbol means "trademark" but it is for business who do not or cannot obtain an official trademark registration. So it is advisable for companies with brands that are too descriptive and can’t be eligible for registration as of the moment, but may be put in the register someday when they get distinctiveness. Some companies use the ™ temporarily while waiting for their marks to register, which is a wise move as it tells people that you’re claiming rights to this trademark.

Protection-wise? It won’t protect you from other people who may attempt to register a similar brand or logo that can potentially bar your future registration—so beware. It is always good to have all your registrable assets acknowledged by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as this makes it easier for you to have a monopoly over your brand name, logo, or tagline, plus it gives you a legal advantage to call out the copy-cats who want to profit off similar marks.

The ® on the other hand, indicates that the word, phrase, or logo that you have is legally registered with the USPTO and that anyone who will attempt to use it without permission can be held accountable for any damages. This means you can have others stop the usage of their mark if you find that it’s similar to yours.

Word of caution though, you can only use this symbol if you have an authentic trademark registration certificate that can prove your ownership. Some businesses have been caught using the ® symbol even though they aren’t registered yet and this can be the grounds for rejection if you apply for a registration in the future.

How to type the ™ and ® in all platforms

Below is a guide on how to type the ™ and ® symbols on these different platforms:
  • Apple/Macbook
For Macbook users, press and hold the option key and press a number or a letter, depending on which symbol you want to type. For the ™ symbol, simply press and hold "option" and press number 2. If you want to type in the ® symbol, press and hold the "option" and press letter r.
  • Windows
For the ™ symbol, press and hold the alt key and press the numbers 0153 and let go. For the ® symbol, press and hold the alt key and press 0174 and let go. That easy!
  • Mobile Phones
For phone users, it is extremely easy to insert the ™ and ® symbols. Just check the symbols section of your emojis and click the symbol you want to type.