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When can I start using the registered trademark symbol (®)?

Senior Trademark Attorney

The ® symbol can only be used once the trademark has been successfully registered with the relevant IP office and a registration certificate has been issued. Using it before registration is complete is a legal offense in most jurisdictions.

While the application is pending, the ™ symbol can be used to indicate that trademark rights are being claimed. Once the trademark is fully registered, ™ is replaced by ®. The ® symbol must be used only in countries where the mark is actually registered; using it in countries where the trademark has not been registered is similarly prohibited.

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