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IP Symbols
Quick list of intellectual property symbols, short-forms,
etc.
Patent Pending:
- means a patent application has been filed
- the application can be a regular, non-provisional
application, or a provisional application
- does not mean a patent is certain to issue
- is a warning that a patent might issue
The
™
sign:
- flags an unregistered trademark
- usually superscripted or subscripted
- expresses owner's belief and/or intention
- (trademarks are brand names for products)
The SM sign:
- flags an unregistered service mark
- usually superscripted or subscripted
- expresses owner's belief and/or intention
- (service marks are brand names for services)
The ® symbol:
- flags a federally registered trademark or service mark
- cannot be used unless the mark is federally registered
- indicates USPTO validation of mark
- usually superscripted or subscripted
- replaces either the TM or SM sign when the mark is
registered
The
©
symbol:
- first element of copyright notice
- word Copyright can be used instead
- followed by year date of publication and owner's name
- used whether or not work has a copyright registration
- copyright notice not required, but highly recommended.
A warning - if you have a restaurant, you are selling a service, not a
product (except carry-outs), so use the SM
sign until your brand name (usually the restaurant name) is federally
registered.
other topics –
about
patents,
provisional vs nonprovisional,
about patent applications,
about trademarks,
trademark myths,
about trademark registrations
more topics -
trademark internet issues,
domain names,
hyperlinking,
patent it or not,
naming and branding
questions, inquiries
-
contact the firm
(all contact modes)
or call 312.419.8055
See
Firm Profile
for professional qualifications and experience.
or back to
FAQS
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