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A state trademark is geographically specific protection for your business identity. Whereas a registered federal trademark protects your identifying name, words and symbols nation-wide, a state trademark usually guarantees that protection in your home state only. This is useful if your business is limited by location and if you never plan to expand into interstate commerce.
The specific protection offered by a state trademark varies state by state. In some cases, they follow the same guidelines as their federal counterpart (10 years trademark protection, automatic advantage in court proceedings), while in others they offer little more than common law protection. To find your states particular requirements and to get a trademark application, contact the Connecticut Secretary of State.
In any case, you will need to be sure that you are not infringing on a pre-existing registered trademark, meaning youll need to perform a trademark search. Searches are conducted at the federal level with the US Patent and Trademark Office and at the state level with the Connecticut Secretary of State. You can do a trademark search yourself, or use a professional trademark search firm, such as LegalZoom.
Considering a website, a mail order business, or selling your products in another state? If so, you are eligible for federal trademark protection since you will be engaged in interstate commerce. Since a state trademark generally protects you in your state and your state only, you may not be able to use your trademark in another state if it infringes on someone elses trademarked name. Getting your federal trademark now lays the foundation for business growth.
LegalZoom offers quick answers to all your federal trademark questions. Check out our free online legal library and see just how easy it is to register with the United States Patent and Trade Office. Well perform a search, prepare your documents and periodically monitor trademark applications to ensure no one is infringing on your business identity. Answer our quick online questionnaire and get registered today!
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