How do you claim your trademark? There is no requirement that a company use one of the trademark designations in connection with their trademark, but it is a good practice to get into. Using either the “TM” or “Circle R” puts others on actual notice of your rights. The “TM” should be used before the mark is federally registered. Once the mark is registered, it should be replaced with the “Circle R.” There is no need to use a trademark designation every time the mark is used. However, it should be used on the first prominent use of the mark so that others will recognize the designation and associate it with the mark.
