What is a state trademark or service mark?
A mark can be registered with a state without being registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. States have their own sets of laws dealing with trademarks. State trademarks protect the marks within the states where they are registered unless the owner of a federally registered trademark can show proof of first usage of a similar mark.
Related Questions
- May a trademark or service mark be registered with the Secretary of State before it has actually been used in the sale of goods and services?
- Does registration with the Secretary of State prevent others from registering the same or similar trademark, service mark in other states?
- If the Secretary of State of Maryland registers a trademark or service mark, may the registrant use the ® designation with the mark?
