the difference between ®️ (Registered Trademark) and TM (Trademark)
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In the USA, registered trademark (the little R) is protection you can apply for when selling your product in more than one state. if you demonstrate that you are using a certain symbol or phrase in connection with marketing your product in a certain specific industry niche, then you can apply for a registered trademark.
You pay to have it researched and recorded and then every so often you need to demonstrate that you are continuing to use it as described in the application.
This gives you legal protection in the event that a competitor tries using your mark.
The little (TM), by contrast, just means you consider this your trademark. You can use it within only one state, whenever you want. it’s often a precursor to an actual federal trademark application.
Note that the niches are extremely specific— they’re literally broken down and numbered. this is why there can be Dove soap and Dove ice cream, for example.
Also— you don’t trademark something by getting a phrase first and squatting on it. As part of the application process you have to demonstrate that u actually are using it to sell your product— and furthermore that it actually causes people to think of your company when they hear it.
Do big lawyered-up concerns like McDonalds have a way to accelerate this process? I’m sure they do. But in theory everyone with the time/money to file a trademark app has a fair chance to get it. And if you stop using it, it can expire.
Last up, ‘cause Reddit— Trademark and copyright are very different. Reddit loves to confuse them.
IamNotALawyer but I am an artist who sold a trademarked product.
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