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Use of trademark TM and R
nick205 - 7/10/12 at 08:30 PM

After a bit of Googling my understanding is there is no legal reason not to use the "TM" trademark letters after your company name, brand, product or service. It also gives you no legal recourse to challenge someone using the same logo etc. Use of the "R" trademark is subject to legal registration by country/continent, but does give you legal protection.

Is my understanding correct and can I use the "TM" letters after a company brand we wish to promote?

Cheers
Nick

matt_gsxr - 7/10/12 at 08:37 PM

Looked at this recently myself.

Try:
http://www.ipo.gov.uk/tm.htm

Everything you need to know there.
If you want to register it then there is a fee, but not much. Also useful search tools to see if someone is already using what you wish to register.

Matt

designer - 7/10/12 at 08:53 PM

Why would you want to do it?

You do not have a secure Trade Mark unless you registered it, you just have copyright.

nick205 - 7/10/12 at 10:11 PM

quote:
Originally posted by matt_gsxr
Looked at this recently myself.

Try:
http://www.ipo.gov.uk/tm.htm

Everything you need to know there.
If you want to register it then there is a fee, but not much. Also useful search tools to see if someone is already using what you wish to register.

Matt


had a look at that, good information, just wanting to confirm my understanding.

nick205 - 7/10/12 at 10:16 PM

quote:
Originally posted by designer
Why would you want to do it?

You do not have a secure Trade Mark unless you registered it, you just have copyright.



Mainly because we want to promote now and the registraton although inexpensive is not quick....up to 4 months!

Using "TM" now will at least confirm to potential and existing customers that it's our brand and carries our values. The registration can be in progress while we're actively selling.