Legal Definitions - TM

The abbreviation TM stands for TRADEMARK.

The symbol ™ (often seen as a superscript) is used to indicate that a person or company claims exclusive ownership of a particular word, phrase, logo, or design as a trademark. It serves as a public declaration that the user believes this mark identifies their goods or services and distinguishes them from those of others. It is important to understand that using the ™ symbol does not mean the trademark has been officially registered with a government intellectual property office (such as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office). Instead, it simply signals an assertion of ownership and an intent to protect that mark, often while the registration process is pending or if the owner chooses not to register it formally.

Here are a few examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: New Software Feature

  A tech startup develops a unique algorithm for its new productivity software. They decide to brand this specific feature as "FocusFlow™." By placing the ™ symbol next to the name, the startup is publicly asserting that "FocusFlow" is their proprietary identifier for that feature. This signals to competitors and users that they claim ownership of this particular name, even if they haven't yet completed the formal trademark registration process with the government.

• Example 2: Craft Brewery's Signature Ale

  A local craft brewery creates a new seasonal beer with a distinctive flavor profile. They name it "Sunset Haze Ale™." On their cans, taproom menus, and website, they use the ™ symbol after the name. This communicates to their customers and other breweries that they consider "Sunset Haze Ale" to be their unique brand name for that specific product, indicating their claim of ownership over the mark without necessarily having it federally registered.

• Example 3: Financial Advisory Service

  A financial planning firm introduces a specialized investment strategy for its clients. They call this strategy "Wealth Navigator Plan™." By using the ™ symbol in their brochures, presentations, and client agreements, they are making a public claim that "Wealth Navigator Plan" is their exclusive service mark. This indicates their intention to protect that name as their intellectual property, distinguishing their unique offering from those of other financial advisors, regardless of whether they have completed formal registration.