Circle R, TM, or C? Which symbol should you use?

A very common question I receive is what symbol my clients should use. Here’s a handy reference guide:

® This is a registered trademark symbol. It is illegal to use this if your trademark is not registered!

© This is a Copyright symbol. This does not necessarily mean the copyright has been officially registered.

™ This is for an unregistered trademark, however, many brands use this to indicate an intention to trademark or to indicate that they have filed for a trademark.