What do the business symbols TM, SM and R mean?

Those small letters floating next to brand names and logos are all about protecting a company's identity. The TM symbol signifies a trademark, which is used to claim rights to a mark representing goods or products, like a computer or a soft drink. Similarly, the SM symbol stands for a service mark, used for services rather than physical goods, such as an accounting firm or a delivery company. Using either TM or SM doesn't require official government approval; it simply declares that a business is claiming a particular name or logo as their own and puts competitors on notice.

The most powerful of these symbols is the R enclosed in a circle (®). This indicates that the mark has been officially examined and granted registration by a national authority, such as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This status affords the owner enhanced legal protection against infringement and the exclusive right to use the mark nationwide in connection with the goods or services listed in the registration. In fact, it is illegal to use the ® symbol unless the mark has been formally registered, making it a clear and legally-binding statement of ownership.