The trade mark sign ™ is Alt+0153 on Windows and Option+2 on a Mac. It claims a mark as yours without requiring any registration. Anyone can use it on a name or logo they trade under, which makes it the right choice while an application is pending.
01 All shortcuts at a glance
| Platform | Shortcut | |
|---|---|---|
| Windows (Alt code) | Hold Alt, type 0153 on the numpad |
|
| Windows (any app) | Win+. or Win+; emoji/symbol picker, or Character Map (Win+R → charmap) |
|
| Mac | Control+Command+Space to open Character Viewer, search "Trademark Symbol" |
|
| Word / Outlook | Type 2122, then press Alt+X |
|
| Linux (IBus) | Ctrl+Shift+U, then 2122, then Enter |
|
| HTML / CSS | ™ · \2122 (CSS) |
02 Step by step, per platform
A real, followable procedure for every platform, not a thin restatement of the shortcut.
Windows
- Make sure Num Lock is on.
- Hold Alt and type 0153 on the numeric keypad.
- Release Alt, ™ appears.
Mac
- Press Control+Command+Space to open the Character Viewer.
- Type "Trademark Symbol" in the search field.
- Double-click the result to insert it.
Microsoft Word
- Type 2122.
- Press Alt+X immediately after, it converts the hex code to ™.
03 Characters in this set
04 Troubleshooting & confusables
| Looks like it | But it's actually | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| ® (U+00AE) | Registered sign, for granted registrations only | Only after a trademark office has granted registration in that territory. |
| ℠ (U+2120) | Service mark, for services rather than goods | A mainly American distinction for services. ™ is acceptable for both in most places. |
| TM as two letters | A plain-text fallback | Fine in a terminal or an encoding that cannot carry the symbol. Otherwise use ™. |
05 FAQ
What is the Unicode code point for the trade mark sign?
It is U+2122, decimal 8482. Alt+0153 works on Windows because it also sits in the Windows-1252 code page.
Do I need to register anything to use ™?
No. It is a claim of common-law rights in a mark you actually use in trade. Registration is what unlocks ®, and it brings much stronger protection.
What is the difference between ™ and ℠?
The ™ traditionally covers goods and the ℠ covers services. The distinction matters mainly in the United States, and ™ is widely accepted for both.
Should ™ be superscript?
The character is already drawn small and raised, so no extra formatting is needed. Applying superscript on top of it usually makes it too small to read.
Can I use ™ on someone else's brand?
Only when referring to their mark accurately, and then it is a courtesy rather than a claim. Never attach it to a name you have no rights in.