What is the difference between the symbols ® and ™ from a legal perspective?

The symbols signify that the brand name is already a registered mark or the application is pending for trademark registration. It is for the consumers and fellow competitors to see that such a name is already taken and hence should not be copied or used without permission.

• ™ stands for trademark applied. It signifies that the company plans to market goods/services under said mark and which is applied and pending for registration.

• ® symbol represents that the mark is Registered. This indicates that the brand is registered under the trademark law and the owner has all the legal rights to file for infringement in case anyone illegally uses it or copies it.