Neophytes in the Tennessee business industry should be familiar with the process of filing a trademark/service mark registration in their state. Through marks, incorporations and other business entities can provide representation and individuality for the goods that they offer. In Tennessee, the mark to be registered should already be in use prior to its registration. It should not exhibit any deceptive or indecent figures. It should not resemble any military or national symbol. It should not be inclusive of someone else’s name or signature unless he/she gave his/her consent. And of course, it should not be the same or somehow resemblant to any other marks in the registry of the Secretary of State. The application for registration can be submitted either through mail or directly to the office of the Secretary of State. The form should contain the applicant name (individual or entity), applicant address (business address), state of incorporation (for corporations), state of the organization of partnership and name of the general partners (for partnerships), the goods that will be covered by the mark, the mode or manner the mark is used in connection with the products and services (for example: newspaper advertisements, flyers, business cards, labels), the class of products and services, the date when the mark is first used (the mark should already be in use prior to application), name and description of the mark, one specimen of the mark and the signature of the applicant. The sign of the applicant should be affixed over his/her printed name with his/her designated title. Failure to provide all the needed details with clarity will result to rejection of the application. The application should be notarized by a licensed public agent or else the application will be rejected. In Tennessee, the products and services can be categorized into 45 classes. The application can cover more than one class, but you have to pay for $20 per class. The application will now undergo due process. If the mark makes it through the whole process, you will be given a certificate of registration. The validity of the mark will take effect for the next five years after the date of registration. Make sure to keep the mark in use throughout the validity period and renew it right before the expiration date. The rights to dormant and expired marks can be claimed by third parties through proper legal proceedings. If you are looking for information on trademark in Tennessee, click on the link. Or you can visit http://www.ezonlinefiling.com/.
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