Is it okay to put a ™ symbol on something even if it's not trademarked?

**Dedicated37** · 08-14-2010 04:40 PM

Is this okay to do?

**SmoothEntrepreneur** · 08-14-2010 05:57 PM

I doubt it. Don't consider this legal advice or anything, but if I'm not mistaken the TM is for trademarks that are in the process of being trademarked, and the R with the circle around it is for when the trademark is approved.

**SmoothEntrepreneur** · 08-14-2010 09:08 PM

dslackman is correct, especially if you go through legalzoom.com, which is what I recommend for less challenging legal work such as trademarks.

**Carlos™** · 08-19-2010 03:22 PM

Well, it works like a double edged sword. If you plan on trademarking the name, do it. But do it only for legal reasons; once it shows up on archive.org, and someone tried to copy your mark, he can be sued and you can get the trademark that way. [And then some more.]

But you actually need to register the trademark to actually use it across the global scale. And like others say, when its in process of being trademarked, use it.

I actually learned a little bit more about the distinctions between TM symbol and the rights mark. Now I feel like doing it. I feel at ease about trademarks now.

Thanks for the thread!