The trademark symbol (™) can be added to a business name, product name, slogan, or other mark to show that you claim trademark rights in it. You do not need a federally registered trademark to use the ™ symbol.
The exact method for typing ™ depends on your device and operating system. Windows supports Alt codes and its symbols panel, Mac provides keyboard shortcuts and Character Viewer, and mobile devices allow you to insert the symbol through their keyboards or by copying and pasting it.
This guide explains how to insert a Trademark symbol on any device, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, and Android. It also explains when to use ™, ℠, and ® so you do not use the wrong symbol.
Trademark Symbol Quick Reference
For users who only need the symbol, copy it directly below:
Trademark: ™
Registered Trademark: ®
Service Mark: ℠
Here is a quick device comparison:
| Device | Trademark Symbol Method |
| Windows | Alt + 0153 |
| Mac | Option + 2 on many U.S. keyboard layouts |
| Linux | Ctrl + Shift + U, type 2122, then Enter |
| iPhone/iPad | Symbols/emoji keyboard or copy and paste |
| Android | Symbols keyboard or copy and paste |
| Any Device | Copy and paste ™ |
The sections below explain how to insert a Trademark symbol on any device in more detail.
What Does the ™ Trademark Symbol Mean?
The ™ symbol indicates that a person or business claims a word, phrase, logo, or other identifier as a trademark.
For example:
ExampleBrand™
Using ™ does not mean that the trademark is federally registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Businesses can generally use ™ while claiming trademark rights, including before receiving federal registration.
The ® symbol has a different meaning. It indicates that a trademark has been federally registered and should only be used for the goods or services covered by that registration.
What’s the Difference Between ™, ℠, and ®?
The three symbols have different purposes.
| Symbol | Meaning | When It Is Used |
| ™ | Trademark | Used to claim trademark rights, commonly for goods |
| ℠ | Service Mark | Used to claim rights in a mark associated with services |
| ® | Registered Trademark | Used for a federally registered trademark |
The distinction is important because using ™ is not the same as having a federal trademark registration.
Businesses that want broader federal protection can file US trademark online through the appropriate USPTO application process.
For a broader explanation of different intellectual property rights, see trademark vs copyright vs patent.
How to Insert a Trademark Symbol on Windows
Windows provides several ways to type ™. The best method depends on your keyboard and the program you are using.
Method 1: Use the Windows Alt Code
On a Windows computer with a numeric keypad:
- Place the cursor where you want ™ to appear.
- Turn Num Lock on if necessary.
- Hold the Alt key.
- Type 0153 using the numeric keypad.
- Release Alt.
The result is:
™
For a registered trademark, use:
Alt + 0174 = ®
The number keys across the top of a standard keyboard do not work for traditional Windows Alt codes. You need a numeric keypad.
Method 2: Use the Windows Symbols Panel
Windows also provides a built-in symbols panel.
- Place your cursor where the symbol should appear.
- Press Windows key + . (period).
- Open the Symbols section.
- Find the trademark symbol.
- Select ™ to insert it.
This method is useful on laptops without a numeric keypad.
Method 3: Use Character Map
Windows Character Map contains special characters that may not appear directly on your keyboard.
To use it:
- Search for Character Map from the Windows search bar.
- Open Character Map.
- Find ™.
- Select the symbol.
- Click Copy.
- Paste it into your document.
Method 4: Use Unicode in Microsoft Word
In supported Microsoft applications such as Word, type:
2122
Then press:
Alt + X
The code changes to:
™
For ®, type 00AE and press Alt + X.
How to Insert a Trademark Symbol on Mac
Mac users can use either a keyboard shortcut or Character Viewer.
Method 1: Mac Keyboard Shortcut
On many Mac systems using a U.S. keyboard layout:
Option + 2 = ™
For the registered trademark symbol:
Option + R = ®
Keyboard layouts can vary, so the shortcut may produce a different character on some international keyboards.
Method 2: Use Character Viewer
If the shortcut does not work:
- Open the document or text field.
- Open Edit > Emoji & Symbols.
- Search for “trademark.”
- Select ™.
Character Viewer is also useful for finding ® and other special characters.
How to Insert a Trademark Symbol on Linux
Linux users can enter ™ through Unicode input on many common desktop environments and applications.
Unicode Method
- Place the cursor where you want the symbol.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + U.
- Type 2122.
- Press Enter or Space.
The result should be:
™
Some Linux systems also support a Compose key. The exact setup depends on your Linux distribution and desktop environment.
How to Put a Trademark Symbol on a Phone?
The answer to How to put a trademark symbol on a phone? depends on whether you use an iPhone or Android device, but both provide simple options.
You can also use the copy-and-paste method on practically any phone:
Copy this: ™
Press and hold the symbol, select Copy, place the cursor where you need it, and choose Paste.
How to Insert a Trademark Symbol on iPhone or iPad
On iPhone and iPad, ™ may be available through the symbols or emoji keyboard.
One simple method is:
- Open the app where you want to type.
- Open the emoji keyboard.
- Go to the Symbols category or search for “trademark.”
- Select ™.
Depending on your iOS version and keyboard settings, typing the word “trademark” may also provide ™ as a keyboard suggestion.
If you regularly use the symbol, you can create a text replacement shortcut so a short phrase automatically becomes ™.
How to Insert a Trademark Symbol on Android
Android keyboards vary by device and manufacturer, but most modern keyboards provide access to special symbols.
On keyboards such as Gboard:
- Open the keyboard.
- Tap the numbers/symbols key.
- Open the additional symbols section.
- Locate ™.
- Tap it to insert the symbol.
If your keyboard does not display ™, copying and pasting it is the simplest alternative:
™
This answers how to insert a Trademark symbol on any device without requiring a special keyboard shortcut.
Can You Copy and Paste the Trademark Symbol?
Yes. Copying and pasting is one of the easiest methods and works across most computers, smartphones, tablets, browsers, email programs, and social media platforms.
Copy the symbol you need:
™ Trademark
® Registered Trademark
℠ Service Mark
Then paste it directly after your brand name.
For example:
ExampleBrand™
No space is normally required between the trademark and the symbol.
Where Should You Place the Trademark Symbol?
The trademark symbol is normally placed immediately after the word, phrase, logo, or product name that you want to identify as a trademark.
For example:
ExampleBrand™
For a federally registered trademark:
ExampleBrand®
The symbol is commonly placed at the upper-right side of a word or logo when formatting allows it. In plain text, placing the symbol directly after the trademark is usually sufficient.
There is generally no need to place a space between the trademark and the symbol.
Using the Symbol With a Logo
When displaying a logo, ™ or ® is usually placed near the upper-right corner of the logo. In some designs, it may appear in another nearby position when that works better visually.
The symbol should be visible without becoming the main focus of the logo.
Using the Symbol in Written Content
You do not necessarily need to place the trademark symbol after every mention of a trademark in an article, webpage, or marketing document.
Many businesses use it:
- On the first prominent use.
- In headings.
- On product packaging.
- On important marketing materials.
- Where trademark ownership needs to be clear.
Consistency is more useful than filling every paragraph with trademark symbols.
When Should You Use the ™ Symbol?
The ™ symbol is commonly used when you claim trademark rights in a name, logo, slogan, or other brand identifier.
Federal registration is not required before using ™.
For example, a business that launches a new product called BrightBox may display:
BrightBox™
This tells the public that the business is claiming trademark rights in the name.
Using ™, however, does not mean the USPTO has reviewed or approved your trademark.
Businesses seeking federal registration must complete the trademark application process separately.
When Should You Use the ® Symbol?
The ® symbol should only be used after a trademark has been federally registered with the USPTO, and only in connection with the goods or services covered by that registration.
For example:
ExampleBrand®
You should not use ® simply because:
- You submitted a trademark application.
- Your application is pending.
- You own the domain name.
- You registered an LLC.
- You have been using the brand for several years.
A pending application is not the same as a federal registration.
If your application is still being reviewed, you can generally continue using ™ while waiting for a decision.
When Should You Use the ℠ Symbol?
The service mark symbol, ℠, is used to identify a mark connected with services rather than physical goods.
Examples may include:
- Legal services.
- Consulting services.
- Marketing services.
- Financial services.
- Cleaning services.
For example:
Example Consulting℠
In practice, many businesses use ™ for both products and services. The ℠ symbol is available when a business wants to specifically identify a service mark.
Once a service mark receives federal registration, the owner can generally use ® for the services covered by the registration.
Does Using ™ Give You Trademark Protection?
Using ™ can show that you claim rights in a trademark, but it does not create a federal trademark registration.
Some trademark rights in the United States may arise through actual use of a mark in commerce. These are commonly called common law trademark rights.
However, these rights can be more limited than the benefits provided by federal registration.
Federal registration may provide advantages such as:
- Public notice of your claim of ownership.
- Legal presumptions related to ownership and validity.
- Broader geographic protection tied to federal registration.
- The ability to use ® for covered goods or services.
- Additional enforcement options.
Businesses that want federal protection can file US trademark online through the USPTO filing system.
Do You Need to Register a Trademark Before Using ™?
No. Federal trademark registration is not required to use ™.
This is an important distinction because many new business owners assume that ™ means “registered trademark.”
It does not.
The basic difference is:
| Symbol | Federal Registration Required? |
| ™ | No |
| ℠ | No |
| ® | Yes |
Registration becomes important when a business wants the additional benefits provided by federal trademark protection.
Before filing, it is also useful to understand the cost of trademark registration, including government filing fees and any professional costs associated with preparing or managing an application.
Can You Use ™ While a Trademark Application Is Pending?
Yes. You can generally use ™ while your federal trademark application is pending.
Submitting an application does not give you the right to immediately switch to ®.
You must wait until the USPTO registers the trademark before using the federal registration symbol for the covered goods or services.
During examination, the USPTO may also identify problems with an application. Depending on the issue, a trademark office action response may be required before the application can proceed.
Does the Trademark Symbol Have to Appear Every Time?
No. A trademark symbol does not generally need to appear every time the brand name is mentioned.
Using the symbol repeatedly can make website copy, advertisements, and other materials difficult to read.
A common approach is to use the appropriate symbol with the first or most prominent appearance of the trademark.
For example:
ExampleBrand™ provides accounting software for small businesses. ExampleBrand includes tools for managing invoices and expenses.
This clearly identifies the trademark without repeating ™ after every use.
Can You Use Trademark Symbols on Social Media?
Yes. Trademark symbols can be used in:
- Instagram bios.
- Facebook pages.
- LinkedIn profiles.
- YouTube descriptions.
- TikTok profiles.
- Social media captions.
If your keyboard does not make the symbol easy to find, copy and paste it:
™
For mobile users asking How to put a trademark symbol on a phone?, copying the character is often the fastest option.
Can You Use a Trademark Symbol in a Website Title?
Yes. The trademark symbol can be included in website headings, product pages, landing pages, and other digital content when appropriate.
However, excessive use is unnecessary.
Consider placing ™ or ® on:
- Your homepage.
- Important product pages.
- Brand guidelines.
- Product packaging.
- Marketing materials.
The goal is to identify your trademark clearly without affecting readability.
Common Trademark Symbol Mistakes to Avoid
Knowing how to insert a Trademark symbol on any device is only useful if you also understand which symbol you are legally entitled to use.
Several mistakes should be avoided.
Using ® Before Registration
Do not use ® simply because you have filed an application.
Wait until federal registration has been issued for the relevant goods or services.
Assuming ™ Means Federal Registration
The ™ symbol indicates a trademark claim. It does not mean the USPTO has registered the mark.
Using the Wrong Symbol
Remember:
- ™ = claimed trademark
- ℠ = claimed service mark
- ® = federally registered trademark
Assuming a Symbol Replaces Registration
Adding ™ to your business name does not provide all the benefits of federal registration.
Ignoring Trademark Maintenance
Federal registration also comes with ongoing maintenance requirements. Trademark owners should understand how long does a trademark last? and which filings are required to keep a registration active.
Trademark Symbols vs Copyright Symbols
Trademark and copyright symbols should not be confused.
The main symbols are:
| Symbol | Meaning |
| ™ | Trademark |
| ℠ | Service mark |
| ® | Federally registered trademark |
| © | Copyright |
Copyright protects original creative works, while trademarks protect source-identifying brand elements.
For example, copyright may protect an original graphic design, while trademark law may protect that design when it functions as a business logo.
The length of these protections also differs. Our guide on how long a copyright protection last explains copyright duration for individual and company-owned works.
Understanding trademark vs copyright vs patent can also help determine which intellectual property protection applies to a particular asset.
Final Thoughts: How to Insert a Trademark Symbol on Any Device
Learning how to insert a Trademark symbol on any device is simple once you know the correct shortcut or menu.
Windows users can use an Alt code or symbols panel. Mac users can use a keyboard shortcut or Character Viewer. Linux supports Unicode input on many systems, while iPhone, iPad, and Android users can access special symbols through their keyboards or copy and paste ™ directly.
The more important issue is choosing the correct symbol:
™ can be used to claim trademark rights.
℠ can identify a claimed service mark.
® should only be used for a federally registered trademark in connection with the covered goods or services.
Using the right symbol helps communicate your trademark claim clearly, but the symbol itself does not replace federal registration. Businesses seeking stronger brand protection should consider whether federal trademark registration fits their needs.
