When you see “TM” next to a product or a company name, it stands for “trademark.” A trademark is typically an unregistered mark that identifies and distinguishes a company’s goods and services. Read on to learn more about the TM meaning and how to use it.
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What Is TM?
As mentioned earlier, the acronym TM stands for “trademark.” It is a symbol legally established to notify people that a mark, usually a logo, phrase, slogan, etc., is trademarked and that the user claims rights to the mark in relation to specific goods and services.
Usually, a TM doesn’t necessarily mean that your product has been registered with the government or is in the process of government registration; instead, it just shows your intention of claiming rights to it.
Keep in mind that an unregistered trademark has limited protection. The upside of having a TM is to assert your claim and notify potential infringers or competitors that the mark is associated with your brand.
Does TM also stand for trademark in social media? Most of the time, yes, especially when you see the superscript symbol of TM (™) after the brand or product name.
Examples:
- Coca-Cola™
- Nike™
- Google™
- EA Sports™
- Starbucks™
What Are the Different Trademark Symbols?
™ is not the only trademark symbol you’ll come across. You also have similar marks like the R symbol (®) and service mark (℠.) Both symbols appear after the product or service name and are in superscript. Here’s an overview of the different trademark symbols so you know which appropriate symbol to use.
R (®)
As its name applies, the registered trademark symbol means that a trademark has been registered with a relevant body, such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The registration symbol is considered a legally binding symbol, providing enhanced legal protection and exclusive rights to use the mark nationwide.
Keep in mind that unregistered parties shouldn’t attempt to use the registered trademark symbol. Doing so can result in trademark fraud, cancellation of the registration application, and penalties.
But what if you use a federal registration mark from another company or brand and claim it as your own? You may face allegations of fraud.
SM (℠)
The SM symbol is for services rather than goods or products. Like the TM symbol, SM does not require registration. What does the SM symbol mean? It’s short for service mark.
Tip: When writing trademark symbols, you’ll use a raised superscript font, in which the placement is slightly above the normal line of text (right-hand corner, to be more precise). The superscript format is preferred as it shows their legal significance without disrupting the flow of text. If this format is not an aesthetically pleasing solution, you can also use a subscript, which is set below the normal line of text.
How to Use TM?
If you want to add the ™ symbol, you should immediately add it after the brand name—for example, FakeBrand™. Remember, the subtle superscript is not to hide the mark.
So, how do you add a superscript in a text? Here are a couple of ways:
Microsoft Word or Google Docs
- Click on the “Insert” tab and then select Symbol.
- Under more symbols, choose “special characters.”
- From the drop-down menu, select “TM” Trademark and then click “Insert.”
- Alternatively, you can use keyboard shortcuts Alt + 0153 on Windows or Option + 2 on Mac.
iPhone
If you’re using an iPhone, you’ll find a trademark emoji that works on messaging and social media apps that accept emojis.
To enter the trademark symbol using an iOS device:
- Open your keyboard
- Type the word “trademark” or the symbol “TM.”
- Click on the emoji that appears above the keyboard to insert it into your text or post.
Android
For Android devices, ™ is available on the symbol keyboard. You can also use the emoji by scrolling through the list of emojis or searching the term trademark and tapping the emoji to insert.
Tip: For promotional materials, press releases, and articles, you don’t have to add the trademark symbol throughout the text. It should only appear when you first mention the trademark.
Other Meanings Of TM
Aside from “trademark,” there are other TM meanings you should also know. :
- Tomorrow: In an informal setting, “TM” is sometimes used as an abbreviation for “tomorrow.” For example, “Let’s meet over lunch tm”
- Too much: “TM” could also signify “too much. For instance, “I ate TM ice cream.”
- Text message: In digital communication, “TM” stands for “text message.” For example, “Send me a TM when you’re ready.”
- Too much swag: In colloquial language, “TM” might signify someone having an excessive amount of confidence or style. For example, “He’s got TM” means “He’s got too much swag.”
- Trust me: For instance, “This plan will work, TM.” In this case, the TM meaning is “trust me.”
Final Thoughts
In summary, the popular TM meaning is “trademark.” However, TM can also mean different things like too much, tomorrow, or trust me. So, context is critical in discerning the true TM meaning.
