How to Register a Trademark in Maryland
Introduction
To register a trademark in Maryland, you must file an application form with the state's Intellectual Property Law Section. The filing requirements for registering a trademark in Maryland include:
Filing Requirements
In order to file for a trademark, the following information must be provided:
- The name of the person or company filing the application
- The address of the person or company filing the application
- The name and address of the owner of the mark, if not you
- The goods and services that will be covered by your trademark registration
- Whether your trademark has already been registered in other countries
Fill out the Application Form
Completely fill out the application form. Make sure to list all goods and services that your mark will represent, as well as a description of each item. Be sure to include the class number for each item. Sign and date the application form, then submit it with a specimen of the mark (for example, an image of how it could be displayed) in order for it to be considered valid.
Select your Desired Trademark
The first step in registering a trademark is to select your desired trademark. Make sure that it's not too similar to another existing mark, as this can lead to confusion for consumers and potentially harm the reputation of your company. You should also make sure that it is unique enough so that no other company will be able to use it in the same way as you do, or else they could end up using the same thing as yours without actually knowing its origin.
Keep the mark simple but unique; don't use words too generic or recognizable by others like "Trademark." It's important that you choose something original because if there are already trademarks out there similar enough to yours, then the trademark office may reject both applications since they'll likely cause confusion amongst customers.
File a List of all Goods and Services
The next step is to file a list of all goods and services the mark will represent. This includes the types of products you wish to be able to use your trademarked brand name on. It can be as simple as listing "handbags, wallets, and purses," or it can be a more detailed description like: "wallets, purses, handbags made of leather and suede."
It's important that you do not include any other goods or services not related to what your company offers or sells—this could cause confusion among consumers. Also note that if there are any items that are already registered under similar trademarks (for example: Nike used for swimwear), then these should not appear in this list either—you do not want your application getting rejected because another business owns similar rights over something else similar.
Pay the Fees
The second step in the process is to include your payment for fees. The fee is $200 for a single class of goods or services, $300 for two classes of goods or services, $400 for three classes of goods or services and $500 for four classes of goods or services.
Submit Additional Documents
If you are a citizen of the United States, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will not require any additional documents from you. However, if you are a non-U.S. citizen or legal resident, and if you will be using your trademark in more than one country simultaneously, then submit proof of citizenship or power of attorney as well as proof of good standing with your home country's government agency so that they can keep track of all uses worldwide.
Takeaway
The process of obtaining a trademark registration is not difficult, but it can be time-consuming. You must carefully research your options, make sure that you are using the right type of trademark and ensure that it has no prior use in order to avoid any issues with your application. Once you have applied for and received your trademark, keep up with its status as it goes through the examination period before receiving official approval from USPTO.
Conclusion
It's important to understand that a trademark registration is not just for big companies. Small businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals alike can benefit from registering their trademark in Maryland. While the process may seem complicated at first glance, it's actually quite simple with the help of an experienced attorney who knows how to navigate through these bureaucratic hurdles.
