Logos and brand names are often accompanied by the R symbol (®). But what exactly does the R in a circle mean? Does it have anything to do with copyright? Here’s an explanation.
The letter “R” in a circle refers to the English word Registered. The R symbol next to a logo indicates that the logo is a registered trademark. It tells us that the logo’s owner has officially registered it in an intellectual property office. Similarly, when the letter R in a circle appears next to a brand name, it means that the name itself is registered as a trademark.
Under Article 153 of the Polish Industrial Property Law:
The right holder may indicate that their trademark has been registered by placing the letter ‘R’ within a circle beside the mark.
The R symbol has nothing to do with copyright. Copyright is indicated by the © symbol, derived from the word Copyright. The C symbol means that the work — such as a book or a logo — is protected by copyright law. In Poland, the use of © is not legally regulated, so anyone can use it to discourage others from copying their work.
The use of the R symbol is regulated by law. In Poland, it may be used only after a trademark has been registered with the Polish Patent Office or the EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office). Only after receiving a registration decision from the competent office can the owner legally place the ® sign next to their mark.
Both businesses and individuals may apply for trademark registration. Our firm assists clients in preparing trademark applications in a way that ensures maximum protection of their brand. We manage the entire procedure before the patent office, up to the issuance of the registration decision.
Before filing, it is advisable to conduct a trademark search to assess potential conflicts and ensure registrability.
Holding a registered trademark gives the owner an exclusive right to use it for the goods and/or services for which it is registered, within the territory where protection applies.
A registered trademark owner is entitled to oppose third-party use of an identical or confusingly similar mark for identical or similar goods.
If someone infringes a registered trademark, the owner may demand that the infringement cease, recover unjust profits, and, in cases of willful infringement, claim damages. Such claims can be pursued in court.
There is no legal obligation to use the ® symbol after trademark registration. However, doing so is strongly recommended. It signals that a brand is protected by law and acts as a deterrent to competitors — showing that unauthorized use may lead to legal consequences.
The TM symbol and the R symbol (®) are not the same. The TM mark can be used with any logo or brand, regardless of registration. Its use is not regulated by law. In contrast, the R symbol may only be used for trademarks that have been officially registered.
According to Article 308 of the Polish Industrial Property Law:
Anyone who places on the market goods bearing a trademark with a distinguishing feature that may cause a false impression of protection is subject to a fine.
Using the ® symbol next to an unregistered logo may result in a financial penalty — typically several thousand zlotys.
👉 Contact us to learn more about trademark registration and our legal services.