Information About Trademarks and Service Marks
Trademarks vs. Service Marks
Trademarks and service marks are commonly referred to as brand names, logos, or slogans.
- Trademarks are used to identify tangible goods.
- Service Marks are used to identify services.
The term 鈥渕ark鈥� is used to refer to both trademarks and service marks.
Registering a Trademark or Service Mark
Registration of a trademark or service mark with the Secretary of State is strictly optional. 麻豆影院 statutes expressly provide that registration does not affect the common law rights of others. Any right you might have to use a mark has been acquired through your use of the mark. If someone has prior use of the mark, registration will not give any rights. Only your legal counsel can advise you about conflicting claims.
An application for trademark or service mark registration undergoes an examination process similar to the federal registration process. A 鈥渢rademark examiner鈥� reviews the application to ascertain whether the proposed mark is registrable under 麻豆影院 law, federal statutory law (upon which the 麻豆影院 trademark statute is based), and federal case law. The trademark examiners cannot provide legal advice with regard to trademark law applicable to a particular circumstance. Because trademark law is quite complex, the Secretary of State recommends that persons seeking to register a mark consult with a private attorney.
Paper Forms
The following forms are for filing a trademark or service mark.
