Which symbol indicates a registered trademark?

A registered trademark is specifically indicated by the symbol that consists of an "R" enclosed in a circle. This symbol provides legal notice to the public that the trademark has been officially registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and is protected under trademark laws.

The use of this symbol is crucial, as it conveys that the owner has successfully navigated the registration process and has secured exclusive rights to use that mark for the goods or services associated with it. The implications of using this symbol include the ability to pursue legal action against any unauthorized use of the trademark and to potentially recover damages in court.

In contrast, the "TM" and "SM" symbols denote trademarks and service marks that are unregistered, indicating that the user claims rights to the marks but has not yet completed the registration process. These symbols do not provide the same level of legal protection as the registered trademark symbol.