What is the difference between using the ™ and ® symbols?

The ™ and ® symbols are used to represent trademarks. The ™ symbol is used to signify a trademark that is not registered with the appropriate government agency, such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). It is important to note that while using the ™ symbol does not provide legal protection, it can serve as a warning to other companies that the trademark is being claimed by a particular individual or business. The ® symbol is used for trademarks that have been officially registered with the USPTO. Unlike the ™ symbol, the ® symbol does grant legal protection. In Massachusetts, anyone who uses a registered trademark without permission or authorization can be sued in a court of law for trademark infringement. This makes it important to ensure that any trademark being used is registered properly if seeking to fully protect it. In summary, the ™ symbol is used to signify a common law trademark that is not registered with the USPTO, while the ® symbol represents a trademark that has been officially registered. The ™ symbol does not provide legal protection, while the ® symbol does. Therefore, it is important to register any trademarks that are being used in order to be fully protected in Massachusetts.

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