1. Information About When it is Acceptable to use TM and ®
TM v. ®
Information
About
When it is Acceptable to use TM and ®

2. What Does TM mean?
The TM symbol is used for marks that are unregistered. Even if you have filed a trademark application with the USPTO the mark is considered unregistered until it is assigned a registration number.
Use of the TM symbol indicates to consumers that you are intending the mark to be used as a trademark.

3. What Does ® mean?
The ® symbol indicates that the mark is a Federally Registered trademark.
Once your Federal trademark application has registered, and is assigned a registration number, you may begin using the ® symbol in connection with your mark.

4. My Federal Trademark has Registered but I still have stock with the TM on it. Do I need to throw away packaging with the TM since my mark is now registered?
No, you can run through existing stock that bears the TM symbol. However, the next time packaging is ordered after a mark registers we encourage clients to update the packaging to include the ® symbol.

5. Contact Us Stuart J. West West & Associates
A Professional Corporation
2815 Mitchell Drive, Suite 209
Walnut Creek, CA
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