How do I register a trademark name?
In Florida, registering a trademark name requires completing and filing documents with the Florida Secretary of State. To begin, you must fill out an initial application (Form DR-TM/SM) which lists the proposed trademark name, a description of the products and services the trademark will cover, and other information about the business. Once the initial application is complete, you must pay a filing fee and submit it to the Trademark Division of the Secretary of State. If the trademark name is not already registered, the state will send you a blank certificate of registration and a copy of the regulations you must follow while using the trademark name. The trademark name must also be registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). To do this, you must complete a trademark application form and pay the required fee. The USPTO will conduct a thorough search to make sure the trademark name is not already in use. If it is not, the USPTO will issue a certificate of registration. Finally, you should register your trademark name with the local Department of Corporations. This step is not always necessary but it is strongly advised to ensure your protection of the trademark name. Once all of the paperwork is complete, you can start using the trademark name for your business. It is important to remember to renew the registration every 6 to 10 years in order to keep the trademark name active.
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