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Do I have to wait until I get my trademark certificate to start using the ® symbol?

Written by Jan Buza

Co-founder of Trama

Yes. The ® symbol can only be used after the trademark is formally registered and a certificate is issued. Filing an application or receiving a Notice of Allowance does not authorize use of the ® symbol.

The ® can only be used with the exact version of the mark that is registered. If a different version of the mark is used in commerce; a stylistic variation, a different color presentation, or an abbreviated form; the ™ symbol should be used for that version until a separate registration covering it is obtained.

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