symbol
Uncommon
TM
TM (symbol) means an abbreviation for "trademark", used to mark an unregistered brand name or logo. Example: “The company added a small TM next to its new product name.”
symbol
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An abbreviation for "trademark", used to mark an unregistered brand name or logo.
"The company added a small TM next to its new product name."
How to use TM
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small mark placed after a name or logo to show the owner claims it as a trademark, even if not yet officially registered.
Common mistake
TM signals an unregistered trademark claim, while the circled R (®) means the trademark is officially registered.
Easily confused with
®
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The company added a small _____ next to its new product name.
Frequently asked questions
What does “TM” mean?
The word “TM” means an abbreviation for "trademark", used to mark an unregistered brand name or logo. In plain terms, a small mark placed after a name or logo to show the owner claims it as a trademark, even if not yet officially registered.
How do you use “TM” in a sentence?
Here is “TM” used in a sentence: “The company added a small TM next to its new product name.”
What part of speech is “TM”?
“TM” is a symbol.
Is “TM” a common word?
“TM” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between TM and the ® symbol?
TM indicates an unregistered trademark, meaning the owner is claiming rights to a brand name or logo without formal government registration, while ® signifies that the trademark has been officially registered with a trademark office. Using ® without actual registration is misleading and, in many places, illegal.
Do you need legal registration to use the TM symbol?
No, the TM symbol can be used by anyone claiming trademark rights over a name or logo, even without formal registration. It serves as a public notice of a claimed brand rather than a legally granted registration.
Where is the TM symbol usually placed?
The TM symbol is typically placed as a small superscript immediately after the brand name or logo it refers to, such as "BrandName™." This placement signals to others that the mark is being claimed as a trademark.
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