(R) is only for registered marks, using it improperly can amount to Trademark Fraud. Consult a lawyer not HN. Improper use of the federal registration symbol,

(R) is only for registered marks, using it improperly can amount to Trademark Fraud. Consult a lawyer not HN. Improper use of the federal registration symbol, ®, that is deliberate and intends to deceive or mislead the public or the USPTO is fraud. See Copelands’ Enters. Inc. v. CNV Inc., 945 F.2d 1563, 20 USPQ2d 1295 (Fed. Cir. 1991); Wells Fargo & Co. v. Lundeen & Assocs., 20 USPQ2d 1156 (TTAB 1991) . Edit: Otherwise those marks are used to put the public on notice of the claim of the mark. A brand like Mercedes isn't worried about their marks/logos looking ugly with the addition of (r) or (TM), they are worried about their legal rights, and using those symbols (properly) will only assist in their legal claims and enforcement of the same.