The symbol ™ is called a trademark symbol.
Understanding the ™ Symbol
Based on the provided reference, the letters ™ stand for trademark. This symbol is a specific type of mark used in commerce.
What a Trademark Represents
- A trademark is a name, word, logo, or phrase used with goods.
- Examples of goods where trademarks are used include:
- Cell phones
- Clothing
- Software
- Juice
Unregistered Status
The ™ symbol specifically indicates that the name, word, logo, or phrase is an unregistered trademark. This means it has not been formally registered with an official government body, such as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Using the ™ symbol serves as a public notice that the user is claiming common-law rights to the mark for specific goods, even though it hasn't gone through the registration process. This differs from the registered trademark symbol (®), which indicates federal registration.
