What a service mark identifies

A trademark identifies the source of goods; a service mark identifies the source of services. The USPTO uses “trademark” as an umbrella term for both, but its public guidance still distinguishes TM for goods and SM for services.

Simple distinction

A product name may carry ™. A consulting, delivery, financial, or entertainment service name may carry SM or ℠. A registered mark for either goods or services may use ® when the relevant registration allows it.

Service Mark Symbol Copy Paste: Codes & Input Methods

Unicode
U+2120
HTML
℠
CSS
\2120
Windows
Type 2120, then Alt + X in Word
Mac
Character Viewer (Control + Command + Space)
iPhone
Copy once, then save a Text Replacement
Android
Copy once, then save a keyboard shortcut

Unicode names the character U+2120 SERVICE MARK. In HTML, the numeric entity is ℠. There is no widely supported named HTML entity equivalent to ™.

How to type ℠ on each device

Windows

In Microsoft Word, type 2120 and press Alt + X. Elsewhere, use Character Map or copy the symbol. Do not present a legacy Alt code as universal when a keyboard or app may not support it.

Mac

Open Character Viewer, search for “service mark,” and insert ℠. If you use it frequently, create a macOS Text Replacement.

iPhone and Android

Because ℠ is missing from many default mobile symbol layouts, copy and paste is the dependable method. Save it behind a trigger such as ;sm for regular use.

℠ versus superscript SM

The Unicode character is compact and portable, while ordinary letters offer more typographic control. When a font lacks ℠, writing SM and applying superscript styling can be a practical visual alternative. Keep the letters selectable and readable rather than converting them into an image.

Frequently asked questions

What does ℠ mean?

℠ is the service mark symbol. It signals a claim that a name, phrase, logo, or other indicator identifies services rather than goods.

Can I use SM without registering?

The USPTO says SM can be used for services even if no federal application has been filed. That is U.S.-oriented guidance; the legal effect and accepted practice vary elsewhere.

Is ℠ the same as writing SM?

They communicate the same letters. ℠ is the single Unicode service mark character U+2120, while SM is two ordinary letters that can be formatted as superscript.

What is the Windows Alt code for ℠?

There is no broadly dependable legacy Alt code comparable to Alt + 0153 for ™. In Microsoft Word, type 2120 and press Alt + X, or use Character Map or copy ℠.

How do I type ℠ on a phone?

Copy ℠ and paste it. If you use it often, save it as an iPhone Text Replacement or a shortcut in your Android keyboard’s personal dictionary.