The trademark symbol (™) is used next to a brand name, logo, slogan, or other mark to show that you claim trademark rights. You do not need a federal trademark registration to use ™.
If you want to know how to insert a Trademark symbol on any device, the method depends on whether you use Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, or Android. You can usually add ™ with a keyboard shortcut, symbol menu, or your phone’s keyboard.
This guide gives you the exact steps for each major device and also explains when to use ™, ®, and ℠.
Quick Answer: Trademark Symbol Shortcuts
If you just need the symbol, copy it here:
™
Here are the most common ways to type it:
| Device | How to Type ™ |
| Windows | Alt + 0153 using the numeric keypad |
| Mac | Option + 2 |
| Linux | Ctrl + Shift + U, type 2122, then press Enter |
| iPhone/iPad | Use the symbols/emoji keyboard or create a text replacement |
| Android | Find ™ in your keyboard’s symbols section or create a shortcut |
| Microsoft Word | Alt + Ctrl + T on Windows |
| HTML | ™ or ™ |
| Unicode | U+2122 |
How to Insert a Trademark Symbol on Any Device
Learning how to insert a trademark symbol on any device is simple once you know the shortcut for your operating system.
On a computer, Windows, macOS, and Linux each provide ways to enter the ™ character. On smartphones and tablets, you can usually find it through the keyboard’s symbols menu, copy and paste it, or create a text shortcut.
The right method depends on your device, so let’s go through each one.
How to Type the Trademark Symbol on Windows
There are several ways to enter ™ on a Windows computer.
Method 1: Use the Alt Code
If your keyboard has a numeric keypad:
- Place the cursor where you want ™ to appear.
- Make sure Num Lock is turned on.
- Hold the Alt key.
- Type 0153 using the numeric keypad.
- Release Alt.
The ™ symbol should appear.
Example:
Trademark Ignition™
The Alt code may not work when you use the regular number keys at the top of your keyboard.
Method 2: Use the Windows Character Map
If you do not have a numeric keypad:
- Search for Character Map from the Windows Start menu.
- Open Character Map.
- Find the ™ symbol.
- Select it.
- Choose Copy.
- Paste it where you need it.
This method is useful when you’re working with an application that does not have its own symbol menu.
How to Type the Trademark Symbol on Mac
Typing ™ on a Mac is very quick.
Use this shortcut:
Option + 2
Place your cursor where you want the symbol and press Option and 2 together.
For example:
YourBrand™
This shortcut works in many common Mac applications, including browsers, email apps, and text editors.
How to Type the Trademark Symbol on Linux
Linux users can enter the trademark symbol using its Unicode value.
Try:
Ctrl + Shift + U → 2122 → Enter
Follow these steps:
- Place the cursor where you want the symbol.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + U.
- Type 2122.
- Press Enter or Space.
You should see:
™
The exact behavior can vary by Linux distribution, desktop environment, and application.
How to Put a Trademark Symbol on a Phone?
If you’re wondering How to put a trademark symbol on a phone?, both iPhone and Android provide simple options.
You can use the symbol keyboard when available, create a text replacement, or simply copy and paste:
™
Let’s look at the steps for each platform.
How to Type the Trademark Symbol on iPhone and iPad
The exact keyboard layout can vary by iOS version and keyboard.
One easy option is to create a text replacement.
Go to:
Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement
Then:
- Tap the + button.
- Enter ™ in the Phrase field.
- Enter a shortcut such as tmx.
- Save it.
Whenever you type your chosen shortcut, your iPhone can suggest or replace it with ™.
You can also copy the symbol from this page:
™
and paste it wherever you need it.
How to Type the Trademark Symbol on Android
Android keyboards vary depending on the phone manufacturer and keyboard app.
On many keyboards, you can:
- Open the keyboard.
- Tap the numbers or symbols key.
- Open the additional symbols screen if needed.
- Look for ™.
- Tap it to insert it.
If you cannot find the symbol, copy and paste this:
™
Some Android keyboards also allow you to create personal dictionary shortcuts for symbols you use frequently.
How to Insert ™ in Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word gives you several options.
On Windows, one common shortcut is:
Ctrl + Alt + T
You can also use Word’s symbol menu:
Insert → Symbol → More Symbols
Find ™ and select Insert.
On a Mac, you can use:
Option + 2
How to Insert a Trademark Symbol in Google Docs
Google Docs allows you to insert special characters.
Go to:
Insert → Special characters
Then search for:
trademark
Select ™ from the results.
You can also copy and paste the symbol directly:
™
How to Add a Trademark Symbol to a Website
Website owners can insert ™ directly into their text or use HTML.
Common HTML options include:
™
or
™
Both display:
™
For most modern websites, you can also insert the Unicode ™ character directly into your page content.
What Is the Difference Between ™, ®, and ℠?
These three symbols do not mean the same thing.
| Symbol | Meaning | Common Use |
| ™ | Trademark | Claimed trademark rights, commonly for goods |
| ℠ | Service mark | Claimed trademark rights for services |
| ® | Registered trademark | Marks federally registered with the USPTO |
The most important difference involves the ® symbol.
You should use ® only when the trademark has been federally registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and only in connection with the goods or services covered by that registration.
The ™ symbol does not require federal registration.
If you’re unsure how trademarks differ from other intellectual property, our Trademark vs copyright vs Patent guide explains what each type of protection covers.
Do You Have to Register a Trademark to Use ™?
No. You generally do not need to federally register a trademark before using the ™ symbol.
Businesses commonly use ™ to show that they claim trademark rights in a name, logo, slogan, or other source identifier.
However, adding ™ does not automatically create a federal trademark registration.
Federal registration is a separate process through the USPTO.
If you want federal protection, our guide on how to register a Trademark in the USA explains the application process.
Can You Use ® Without Registering a Trademark?
You should not use the federal registration symbol ® for a mark that is not federally registered with the USPTO.
This is different from ™, which can be used without federal registration.
Before adding ® to your branding, confirm that your trademark is federally registered and that you are using the symbol with the goods or services covered by that registration.
Where Should the Trademark Symbol Be Placed?
The ™ symbol is usually placed immediately after the trademark.
For example:
Trademark Ignition™
For a logo, the symbol is commonly placed near the upper-right or lower-right side of the design.
You do not necessarily need to place the symbol after every mention of your brand in a document. Businesses often use it prominently on the first or most important use, depending on their branding and legal approach.
Does the Trademark Symbol Protect Your Brand?
The ™ symbol itself does not create a federal registration.
It simply communicates that you are claiming trademark rights.
Federal registration provides additional legal benefits. Businesses seeking broader trademark protection may consider best Trademark registration services in USA when preparing their USPTO applications.
It is also worth understanding state trademark vs federal registration because state and federal registrations provide different types and levels of protection.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Trademark?
Using ™ itself does not require paying a USPTO fee.
Federal registration, however, involves government filing fees. Your total expense can depend on factors such as:
- Number of trademark classes
- Filing basis
- Additional USPTO filings
- Professional help
- Office Actions or other issues
Our trademark registration cost guide provides a full breakdown of the expenses involved.
How Long Does It Take to Get the ® Symbol?
There is no separate application for the ® symbol.
You can properly use it once your mark has completed federal registration with the USPTO for the relevant goods or services.
Trademark registration takes time because the application must go through USPTO examination and other required stages.
Read how long does trademark registration take? for a full explanation of the application timeline.
Common Trademark Symbol Mistakes to Avoid
Using trademark symbols is simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch for.
Using ® Before Federal Registration
Do not treat ™ and ® as interchangeable. Federal registration is required before using ® for the registered mark and covered goods or services.
Thinking ™ Means Your Trademark Is Registered
Adding ™ to your business name does not mean the USPTO has approved or registered it.
Using Symbols Inconsistently
Create a simple brand guideline showing which trademark symbol should be used and where it should appear.
Assuming a Symbol Creates Trademark Rights
The symbol communicates a claim, but trademark rights depend on trademark law, use, registration, and other facts.
How Trademark Ignition Can Help Protect Your Trademark
Knowing how to insert a trademark symbol on any device helps you display ™ correctly, but using a symbol is only one part of protecting a brand.
Trademark Ignition can help businesses with the federal registration process, including:
- Trademark searches
- Application preparation
- USPTO filing
- Trademark class selection
- Application monitoring
- Registration support
If your business name, logo, or slogan is important to your brand, proper registration can provide stronger protection than simply placing ™ beside it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I type ™ on a keyboard?
On Windows, you can use Alt + 0153 with a numeric keypad. On Mac, press Option + 2. Linux users can often use the Unicode input Ctrl + Shift + U, followed by 2122 and Enter.
How do I type ™ on my phone?
On iPhone or Android, check your keyboard’s symbols section for ™. If it is not available, you can copy and paste the symbol or create a text replacement shortcut.
Can I use ™ without registering?
Yes. Federal registration is not required simply to use the ™ symbol. However, using ™ does not mean your trademark has been federally registered.
Can I use the ® symbol without registering?
No. The ® symbol is reserved for federally registered trademarks and should be used only with the goods or services covered by the registration.
What is the Unicode for the trademark symbol?
The Unicode value for the trademark symbol is U+2122.
Should the trademark symbol be superscript?
The ™ symbol is commonly displayed in a raised or superscript-style position. However, its exact appearance can depend on the font, software, website, or brand design being used.
What is the easiest way to insert a trademark symbol?
The easiest method depends on your device. Mac users can press Option + 2, while Windows users with a numeric keypad can use Alt + 0153. On phones, using the symbol keyboard or a saved text shortcut is often easiest.
Conclusion
Learning how to insert a trademark symbol on any device takes only a few seconds once you know the right shortcut. Windows users can use an Alt code, Mac users can press Option + 2, Linux users can use Unicode input, and phone users can find ™ through their keyboard or create a text shortcut.
Remember that ™ and ® have different meanings. You can generally use ™ without federal registration, but ® should only be used after your trademark has been federally registered with the USPTO for the relevant goods or services.
Trademark Ignition can help if you want to move beyond simply using the ™ symbol and seek federal registration for your business name, logo, slogan, or other eligible trademark.