FAACM® Trademarks: What They Mean for You and Your Patients
FAACM® Trademarks: What They Mean for You and Your Patients
The American Academy of Cosmetic Medicine® (AACM™) holds U.S. federal trademark registrations for “American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery” and “FAACM®.” These registrations grant AACM™ exclusive rights to use these terms in the medical training and certification industries across the United States. No other entity in these fields can use these marks without AACM™’s permission, ensuring our program’s distinct identity and legitimacy.
It also makes us the licensed authorizer and takes action against confusing or unauthorized uses. That clarity protects the integrity of our program and helps the public distinguish trained professionals from look‑alike offerings.
Why that matters to you: Trademarks are more than legal paperwork; they show source, quality, and accountability. Strong, consistently used marks help people recognize a legitimate program, reduce confusion, and build confidence in certified practitioners.
FAACM® — Your Post‑Nominal Credential
What FAACM® signifies
FAACM® is the post‑nominal you may use after your name upon successful certification and ongoing good standing with AACM™. It tells employers and patients that you completed a rigorous, competency‑based curriculum and were assessed by a recognized authority in cosmetic medicine education.
As FAACM® is a federally registered trademark, only authorized graduates may use it, a clear, verifiable signal of training quality
Why USPTO registration strengthens your credentials
- Exclusivity & enforcement: Registration gives AACM™ legal tools to prevent confusingly similar uses and to license the mark properly. That keeps the title meaningful for you and trustworthy for the public.
- Recognition & trust: Trademarks help consumers and employers quickly identify legitimate programs and credentials, supporting informed choices and professional credibility.
Brand authority: Consistent trademark use elevates perceived quality and authority over time, benefits that accrue to every authorized credential‑holder.
How to use your credentials
- Use the post‑nominal as: Jane Doe, RN, FAACM® (add the ® on first or most prominent use in U.S. materials).
- Do not alter, pluralize, or shorten the mark (e.g., avoid “FAACMs”).
- Pair it with your name or bio; do not use it as a generic noun.
Include a simple attribution where space allows: “FAACM® is a registered trademark of AACM™.”
(These usage norms follow widely accepted trademark‑use principles. Confirm your final style guide with counsel.)
Why Trademark Protection Helps Students as Much as AACM™
- Protects your investment: Your hard work can’t be diluted by unapproved programs using the same initials. That preserves the credential’s market value and ensures your certification stands out from unauthorized alternatives.
- Signals verified competence: Trademarks function as the mark of quality, shortcuts people rely on to recognize reputable training and consistent standards. This gives you a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
- Builds career equity: Over time, strong marks increase recognition and perceived authority, which supports your professional brand and referral confidence. Your FAACM® credential becomes increasingly valuable as the trademark builds recognition and trust in the industry.
AACM™’s trademarks protect your hard-earned credentials and ensure FAACM® remains a mark of trust, quality, and credibility. By choosing AACM™, you align with a program that elevates your professional standing while safeguarding the value of your certification.
Ready to take the next step?
Register today to join our upcoming classes. If you have any questions related to our courses, you can get in touch with us at (425) 864-3777.