How to Insert a Trademark Symbol (On Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, & Android)

The trademark symbol (™) is more than just a notation; it's a powerful tool to protect your brand's identity and value.

Whether you're drafting an important document, designing a standout presentation, or posting on social media to engage your audience, inserting this symbol correctly is crucial.

This article will guide you through the process of inserting the trademark symbol on various operating systems, including Mac, Windows, Linux, and mobile devices.

But first — what is a trademark?

A trademark is a distinctive sign or indicator used by an individual, business organization, or other legal entity to identify and distinguish its products or services from those of others.

Trademarks can be names, words, phrases, logos, symbols, designs, or a combination of these elements.

The primary purpose of a trademark is to prevent consumer confusion by clearly signifying the source of a product or service.

For instance, when you see the golden arches, you instantly recognize it as a symbol for McDonald's.

This recognition helps consumers to make informed choices by allowing them to expect a certain quality and consistency associated with the trademarked product or service.

Trademarks are protected by intellectual property laws and grant the owner exclusive rights to use the mark in commerce within a specified geographical area.

This protection can be established through either formal registration with a government agency (like the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office) or, in some jurisdictions, through use in commerce.

It's important to note that a trademark does not grant the owner the right to prevent others from making the same goods or providing the same services under a clearly different mark.

It only grants the right to prevent others from using a confusingly similar mark that might mislead consumers.

How to understand trademark symbols

Want to understand trademark symbols a bit better? We covered the topic in this short video:

Insert a trademark symbol on Mac OS

1. Using keyboard shortcut:

• Press Option + 2 simultaneously. This shortcut places the trademark symbol where your cursor is positioned.

2. Using the character viewer:

• Place your cursor where you want the symbol.
• Press Control + Command + Space to open the character viewer.
• Search for "Trademark" and double-click it to insert.

Insert a trademark symbol on Windows

1. Using keyboard shortcut:

• Hold down the Alt key and type 0153 on the numeric keypad. Ensure Num Lock is on.

2. Using the character map:

• Go to Start, type Character Map, and open the program.
• Find the trademark symbol, click on it, and select "Copy". Paste it where needed.

Insert a trademark symbol on Linux

1. Using compose key:

• First, set a Compose Key in your keyboard settings (commonly Right Alt or Shift).
• Press the Compose Key followed by T and M in sequence.

2. Using unicode:

• Type U+2122 and then press Ctrl + Shift + U.

Insert a trademark symbol on mobile devices (iOS and Android)

1. iOS:

• Tap the text field to bring up the keyboard.
• Switch to the numeric keyboard by tapping 123.
• Hold down the & symbol. A pop-up will appear with the trademark symbol. Select it.

2. Android:

• Tap the text field to bring up the keyboard.
• Switch to the symbols keyboard (usually by tapping ?123 or =\<).
• Find and tap the trademark symbol.

Choosing the right trademark symbol

• TM (Trademark): This symbol is used to indicate that a word, phrase, logo, or other symbol is being claimed as a trademark. The TM symbol is typically used for goods or products. It can be used without any formal registration with a trademark office.

By placing TM next to their mark, the owner is indicating that they consider it to be a trademark and are claiming rights to it, even though it might not yet be registered or recognized as a trademark by the government.

• SM (Service Mark): Similar to the TM symbol, the SM symbol is used to signify a service mark. It indicates that the term or logo is being used as a mark for services, not for goods or products.

Like the TM symbol, the SM can be used regardless of whether the mark has been registered with a trademark office. It's a way for a service provider to claim rights to a particular mark.

• ® (Registered Trademark): The ® symbol indicates that the mark has been officially registered with the relevant government authority, such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in the United States.

This symbol should only be used after the trademark registration process is complete, as using it with an unregistered mark can be considered fraudulent.

Registration of a trademark provides legal confirmation of the exclusive right to use the mark and enables the owner to protect it against unauthorized use by others.

Examples of trademark symbols in use

•  TM (Trademark):

"Coca-Cola™" was used on cans or advertising before it was registered. The Coca-Cola Company used the TM symbol with its product name when they were claiming it as a trademark.

In addition, many startups or small businesses use the TM symbol with their logos or brand names when they first start out, indicating their claim to the trademark before they've completed the registration process.

• SM (Service Mark):

FedEx, known for its courier delivery services, uses the SM symbol to denote that FedEx is a service mark for their service-based business.

At  a more practical level, a local landscaping company might use the SM symbol with their business name to indicate that it's a service mark associated with landscaping services.

• ® (Registered Trademark):

Nike, Inc. has registered this logo, and the use of the ® symbol indicates that it is a legally registered trademark; Apple Inc. has registered this logo, and the use of the ® symbol signifies its status as a registered trademark; and McDonald's Corporation has registered this logo as a trademark for its fast-food services and uses the ® symbol. 

A straightforward process

Inserting the trademark symbol across different platforms is a simple process once you know the correct shortcuts or methods.

Whether using a desktop or mobile device, these steps can help you seamlessly integrate the trademark symbol into your work.

Ready to secure your trademark? Looking to establish a lasting brand? Protect your intellectual property with Trademarkia today!