Q. Do I need to use the trademark symbol?

Answer

The rules for using the trademark symbol for APA style writing are:

  • APA style does not use the trademark symbol
  • APA does require that the writer capitalize the name of the brand or product or company (as found in the APA 6th edition manual section 4.16).
  • APA does not require quotation marks around the trademarked name.

Examples:

  • Starbucks
  • Microsoft Office
  • Barbie

Trademark symbols are primarily used for commercial writing purposes, such as for a newspaper or advertisement. If your project is of a commercial nature, then here is an article that describes when to use which kind of trademark and also how to get the symbols, Using a Registered Trademark.

If you need additional assistance, contact your Campus Library/ARC. Thank you for using ASK US.

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  • Last Updated Jan 30, 2018
  • Views 14691
  • Answered By Baker Librarians

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Comments (2)

  1. Thanks for this! Do I need to include an intext reference for the trademarked name and a full reference in the reference list also? Or can I simply use the name with capitals?

    Thanks in advance!
    by Esther on Aug 26, 2017.
  2. Trademark symbols are primarily used for commercial writing purposes, such as for a newspaper or advertisement.

    The rules for using the trademark symbol for APA style writing are:

    -APA style does not use the trademark symbol
    -APA does require that the writer capitalize the name of the brand or product or company (as found in the APA 6th edition manual section 4.16).
    -APA does not require quotation marks around the trademarked name.

    Examples:

    Starbucks
    Microsoft Office
    Barbie

    Please let us know if you have any further questions!
    by Patrick Mullane on Aug 26, 2017.

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