Trademark Law: What You Need to Know About Using Symbols on Your Logo

Ever wondered if you should stick a tiny ™ or ® next to your brand mark? The short answer is yes – if you want the law on your side. Those little symbols tell the world that your logo is protected and let you enforce your rights if someone copies you. In this guide we break down when the symbols matter and how to use them without ruining your design.

Why you should use the trademark symbol

The main job of a trademark symbol is to send a clear signal. A ™ means you claim rights in a mark, even if you haven’t filed a registration yet. An ® means the mark is officially registered with the trademark office. When you display the right symbol, you get two benefits: it warns potential infringers and it strengthens your case if you ever need to go to court. Skipping the symbol doesn’t erase your rights, but it makes it harder to prove you were serious about protecting them.

How to place the symbol correctly

Placement is simple but it matters. Put the symbol at the top‑right corner of the logo, just like a superscript. Keep a small space between the mark and the symbol – enough that the design still reads well. Don’t hide it behind other graphics or make it so tiny that nobody can see it. Consistency is key: use the same size and position every time you publish the logo, whether it’s on a website, a brochure, or a social post.

One common question we get is “When is it necessary to place a trademark symbol on a logo?” The answer depends on how you’re using the mark. If you’re selling goods or offering services that fall under a registered trademark, the ® should appear every time the logo is shown in connection with those products. If you’re only in the early stages and haven’t filed yet, a ™ still helps you claim ownership while you wait for registration.

Here’s a quick checklist you can follow:

1. Is the mark registered? Use ®.
2. Is the mark just claimed? Use ™.
3. Is the symbol clearly visible? Make it at least 10% of the logo height.
4. Is the placement consistent across all media? Yes, keep it the same.

Following these steps protects your brand without sacrificing style. Remember, the symbol is not a design element – it’s a legal cue. Treat it as part of your brand guidelines and update your style guide accordingly.

If you’re unsure whether your logo qualifies for a registration, a quick search on the Indian trademark database can give you a head start. Once you file, you’ll get a registration number that you can add to the ® symbol later. Until then, the ™ does the job of letting others know you’re serious about your brand.

Bottom line: using ™ or ® isn’t optional if you want solid protection. It’s a tiny addition that can save you big headaches down the road. Keep the symbol visible, consistent, and the right one for your situation, and you’ll have a stronger claim to your logo’s identity.