The differences between ® and TM

Have you seen these trademark symbols? 
There are three different trademark symbols: TM, SM, and ®. 




© Starbucks | The unique Starbucks Trademark (Sirens)

®?
The meaning of ® (acronym of Registered) ,which usually attached to the end of the brand mark, means that such trademark is registered to the patent office and have exclusive right.

In other words, this is a warning message that means “This trademark is registered to the patent office and has set-up the trademark right.  If anyone violates this trademark right by using similar or same trademark, that such person will be charged and asked criminal liability.”  

TM and SM?
TM(Trademark) and SM(Service-mark) are usually indicates “It is used as a unique symbol of such company.” Use of both TM and SM do not guarantee that the owner’s mark will be protected under trademark laws. 

While TM is usually indicates term, slogan, logo, or etc. as trademark and informs that it is unregistered trademark.  SM indicates services, such as banking services or legal services rather than tangible goods and also unregistered. 

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