body: Is it a crime or otherwise problematic to use the symbol for registered trademarks in the U.S. if there is, in fact, no registered trademark present? And, if so, what is the penalty?
  
  
  Symbol in question: ®
  
  
  [Inspired by this question](https://law.stackexchange.com/q/1576/794).
  
  
  
title: What is the penalty for unauthorized use of the registered trademark symbol ®?