{"id":34254,"date":"2026-03-12T16:16:47","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T10:46:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/?p=34254"},"modified":"2026-04-03T17:10:58","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T11:40:58","slug":"difference-between-tm-and-r-symbol-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/difference-between-tm-and-r-symbol-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Difference Between \u2122 and \u00ae in India: Legal Meaning &amp; Usage Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Understanding the differences between the \u2122 (trademark) and \u00ae (registered) symbols is fundamental for any business. Both symbols look like small superscript additions to a logo; they showcase different stages of legal protection under the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Indian_trademark_law\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Trade Marks Act, 1999<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn the core differences between TM and R, their uses, and their legal features.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/difference-between-tm-and-r-symbol-india\/#What_is_Trademark_%E2%84%A2_Registration\" title=\"What is Trademark \u2122 Registration?\">What is Trademark \u2122 Registration?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/difference-between-tm-and-r-symbol-india\/#Features_of_Trademark_%E2%84%A2\" title=\"Features of Trademark \u2122\">Features of Trademark \u2122<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/difference-between-tm-and-r-symbol-india\/#Importance_of_Trademark_Registration_in_India\" title=\"Importance of Trademark Registration in India\">Importance of Trademark Registration in India<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/difference-between-tm-and-r-symbol-india\/#Features_of_%C2%AE\" title=\"Features of \u00ae\">Features of \u00ae<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/difference-between-tm-and-r-symbol-india\/#Core_Difference_Between_TM_and_R_Symbols_Comparison_at_a_Glance\" title=\"Core Difference Between TM and R Symbols: Comparison at a Glance\">Core Difference Between TM and R Symbols: Comparison at a Glance<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/difference-between-tm-and-r-symbol-india\/#Features\" title=\"Features\">Features<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/difference-between-tm-and-r-symbol-india\/#%E2%84%A2_Trademark_Symbol\" title=\"\u2122 (Trademark Symbol)\">\u2122 (Trademark Symbol)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/difference-between-tm-and-r-symbol-india\/#%C2%AE_Registered_Symbol\" title=\"\u00ae (Registered Symbol)\">\u00ae (Registered Symbol)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/difference-between-tm-and-r-symbol-india\/#Documents_Required_for_Trademark_Registration_in_India\" title=\"Documents Required for Trademark Registration in India\">Documents Required for Trademark Registration in India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/difference-between-tm-and-r-symbol-india\/#The_Registration_Journey_in_India\" title=\"The Registration Journey in India\">The Registration Journey in India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/difference-between-tm-and-r-symbol-india\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Trademark_%E2%84%A2_Registration\"><\/span><b>What is Trademark \u2122 Registration?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><b>Trademark registration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is a mandatory legal process under the Trade Mark Act, 1999, for individuals who want to protect their brand name or any unique symbol. Trademark filing under this act provides the exclusive rights to businesses or individuals who seek to safeguard their brand name, logo, or slogan from unauthorized use. A trademark is a mark or symbol used to set one product or service apart from another. It could be a word, a phrase, a color combination, the product&#8217;s shape, or a three-dimensional image. A trademark (TM) is essential to provide a unique brand identity and acts as an important asset for businesses or individuals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Features_of_Trademark_%E2%84%A2\"><\/span><b>Features of Trademark \u2122<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Legal Protection Against Infringement<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Owners can sue for damages and can take action against unauthorized use of their brand name or logo.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Exclusive Rights<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Through the filing of a trademark application for trademark protection, the applicant (business or owner) will acquire the exclusive right to use the trademark (TM) symbol for the goods and\/or services in all of the classes applied for within that trademark application. It significantly prevents competitors from using similar, confusing marks.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Boost Brand Credibility<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A registered trademark builds trust, reputation, and goodwill, making it easier for customers to choose the right products from rivals.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Intangible Asset Creation<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For businesses, a trademark is an asset that can be sold, assigned, franchised, or commercially contracted.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Validity<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/trademark-registration\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">trademark registration<\/span><\/a><b> certificate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is valid for 10 years from the date of registration and may be renewed indefinitely. Thus, the trademark provides certain long-term security for a trademarked business for the life of its trademark.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>MSME Benefits<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In most cases, Micro Small and medium enterprises (&#8220;MSMEs&#8221;) and <\/span><b>startups registered <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">as companies may be entitled to a reduced fee and to have their trademark applications processed on a priority basis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Importance_of_Trademark_Registration_in_India\"><\/span><b>Importance of Trademark Registration in India<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Here is why trademark filing in Maharashtra is important:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Growing Economy State:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Maharashtra is also known as India&#8217;s financial powerhouse. Beyond Delhi and other smart cities, Maharashtra is recognized for its strong economic activity and wide range of business opportunities. In rapidly growing Maharashtra markets, securing the brand&#8217;s name is crucial to standing out.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tourism Sector State<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Every year, millions of national and international tourists visit Maharashtra for its beauty and historic significance. Due to the rise in tourism every year in Maharashtra, the demand for branded hotels, travel services, and other major services increases significantly. In such a situation, the local and branded businesses can safeguard their identity through trademark registration.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Business Expansion: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Several businesses in Maharashtra operate digitally to sell goods or services. But a <\/span><b>registered trademark business<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> significantly protects its digital brand identity on online platforms<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><b>The \u00ae Symbol: The \u201cOwner.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The symbol <\/span><b>\u00ae <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">stands for registered. This symbol is recognized as the \u201cgold standard\u201d in India for businesses that have their own brand names. But the businesses can only use this \u00ae symbol when the Trade Marks Registry has formally granted their registration and issued a Registration Certificate.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Features_of_%C2%AE\"><\/span><b>Features of \u00ae<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Status<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The symbol determines that the mark is officially listed in the Register of Trademarks.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00b7<\/span><b>Usage<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The businesses cannot use the mark \u00ae until it is registered legally by the Trade Marks Registry. Otherwise, doing the same can result in a heavy penalty.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Legal Protection<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It offers statutory protection. The businesses are liable to file a suit for infringement if an unauthorized person uses the registered mark without permission.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Core_Difference_Between_TM_and_R_Symbols_Comparison_at_a_Glance\"><\/span><b>Core Difference Between TM and R Symbols: Comparison at a Glance<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<table style=\"width: 98.9117%\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 22.9942%\">\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Features\"><\/span><b>Features<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 38.8512%\">\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%84%A2_Trademark_Symbol\"><\/span><b>\u2122 (Trademark Symbol)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 39.4015%\">\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%C2%AE_Registered_Symbol\"><\/span><b>\u00ae (Registered Symbol)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 22.9942%\">\n<p><b>Meaning<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 38.8512%\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Claim of use\/pending application<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 39.4015%\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Formally registered with the government.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 22.9942%\">\n<p><b>When to use<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 38.8512%\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">From day one of establishing the business\/filing<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 39.4015%\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Only after getting the official certificate<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 22.9942%\">\n<p><b>Legal Basis<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 38.8512%\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Common Law (Passing off)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 39.4015%\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Trade Marks Act, 1999 (Infringement)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 22.9942%\">\n<p><b>Validity<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 38.8512%\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Depends on continuous use<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 39.4015%\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">10 years (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/trademark-renewal\/\">trademark renewal<\/a> indefinitely)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 22.9942%\">\n<p><b>Complexity of Suit<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 38.8512%\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">High (Must prove reputation)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 39.4015%\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Low (must prove registration)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0<\/span><b>Understanding &#8220;\u2122&#8221; vs &#8220;\u00ae&#8221;: Proper Use of Trademark Symbols<\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indian entrepreneurs will benefit from understanding the application of the \u2122 (unregistered trademark) and the \u00ae (registered trademark). Here are some examples of when you might see the two symbols in use in practice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><b>1) Using the \u2122 (Unregistered Trademark\u2014Before Registration)<\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You can use the \u2122 symbol as an indication of your claims to have the rights to a mark before registration.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><b>&#8211; New Businesses \/ Start-Ups: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Should display the \u2122 symbol on product packaging logos and names, even before registering.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><b>&#8211; Testing the Market: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use the &#8220;\u2122&#8221; symbol to indicate that you have taken the steps to attempt to protect your trade name or brand, and as a means of monitoring how much your potential customers like your brand name.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><b>&#8211; Marketing Material and Materials Advertising the Products:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> You should use the \u2122 symbol on your website, any social media channels, and in brochures and advertisements. Such acts will make clear that you have ownership rights to the brand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><b>2) Using the \u00ae (Registered Trademark\u2014After Registration)<\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Once your trademark is registered with the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM), you may use the \u00ae symbol; this symbol indicates that your name and\/or trademark is now entitled to full legal protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><b>&#8211; After Registration: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The use of the \u00ae symbol will show that the trademark has been officially registered, and under Indian law, you will have protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><b>&#8211; Enforcement of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/copyright-registration\/\">Copyright<\/a>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The use of the \u00ae symbol provides prima facie evidence of ownership, and therefore, it may serve to substantiate the plaintiff&#8217;s position regarding infringement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><b>&#8211; Sale: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Displaying the \u00ae symbol on products, packaging, marketing material, websites, and\/or agreements establishes the existence of nationwide protection of the mark.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Documents_Required_for_Trademark_Registration_in_India\"><\/span><b>Documents Required for Trademark Registration in India<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The online processing of trademarks has made getting a trademark faster and easier because everything is done through the Mumbai office of the Registry. The main documentation you will need to provide includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; All applicant information (PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Passport) is used for identification and to prove address.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; Information about the brand (wordmark, trademark, logo) (submitted as JPEG format).<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; Proof of business registration (incorporation certificate, partnership deed, certificate of sponsorship, <\/span><b>GST\/MSME certificate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, etc.).<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; If you are utilizing the services of an agent or attorney to file your trademark application, you will need to complete Form TM-48 and have that form signed by the agent or attorney.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The applicant&#8217;s affidavit, supported with evidence (such as invoices and advertisements), states that they have used the proposed trademark previously.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The best way to get more information about your products and services is by using the Nice Classification system.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Registration_Journey_in_India\"><\/span><b>The Registration Journey in India<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">With the shift from (\u2122) to (\u00ae), businesses that have their own brand must navigate the <\/span><b>trademark registration process.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The general timeline of registration is 6 to 12 months (if no objections are raised).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><b>Search<\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Research the public <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/trademark-search\/\">trademark search<\/a> database to ensure that the mark is unique.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><b>Filing<\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Submitting the application is the primary requirement. At this stage, you switch from no symbol to (\u2122).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><b>Examination<\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Whether the mark is descriptive, offensive, or similar to an existing mark, as ensured by a government examiner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><b>Publication<\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Once all these processes are completed, the mark is advertised in the Trade Marks Journal for 4 months to allow the public to oppose it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><b>Registration<\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If no objection or opposition issue comes up (or you win the opposition), the mark is registered, and you can finally use \u00ae.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><b>Trademark Consultant: Choose LegalRaasta<\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Confused about whether to use \u2122 or \u00ae for your brand? We are the leading <\/span><b>trademark registration service<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> provider in India when it comes to registered trademarks. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/\">LegalRaasta<\/a> has simplified the entire franchise application process for registered franchise owners by offering an online option for franchise registration across India. <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The key trademark registration<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">services by this firm include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Search &amp; Analysis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Application Filing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Objection Management<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Expedited Services<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Comprehensive Support<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><b>Frequently Asked Questions<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ol style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li><b> How do trademarks differ from registered trademarks in India?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In India, a trademark is any mark users associate with a business, whereas a registered trademark is protected under the Trade Marks Act of 1999 and provides the owner with legal rights that are enforceable through court action (as well as protection against competitors using a mark that is similar to theirs).<\/span><\/p>\n<ol style=\"text-align: justify\" start=\"2\">\n<li><b> Is it lawful to use the \u00ae symbol without having formally obtained a registered trademark registration?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The use of the \u00ae symbol in India, before obtaining an officially registered trademark, can generate liability for confusion in the marketplace and legal claims against you for misrepresentation. You should use the &#8220;\u2122&#8221; symbol until you have completed your registration process.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol style=\"text-align: justify\" start=\"3\">\n<li><b> How long does it take to receive a registered trademark registration in India?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The average length of time it takes to secure a registered <\/span><b>trademark registration in India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is 12 to 18 months, assuming that there are no objections and\/or oppositions as part of the process. The time taken to receive a registered trademark involves three main steps: examination, publication in the Trademark Journal, and responding to examination reports.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol style=\"text-align: justify\" start=\"4\">\n<li><b> What are the consequences if I use an unregistered trademark?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If someone uses your unregistered trademark without authorization, you can initiate passing-off litigation in Indian courts to halt the misuse. To establish a passing-off claim, you will need to demonstrate prior usage, curated goodwill, and that consumer confusion with the infringing mark is probable.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understanding the differences between the \u2122 (trademark) and \u00ae (registered) symbols is fundamental for any business. Both symbols look like small superscript additions to a logo; they showcase different stages of legal protection under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn the core differences between TM and R, their uses, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":34255,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[390],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-34254","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-trademark"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Difference Between TM and R symbols in India: Legal Meaning<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Understand the legal difference between TM and R symbols in India. 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