Trademarks Manual

How to Register a Trademark or Service Mark in North Carolina

This page explains the registration process for obtaining trademarks and service marks. Also, you will find definitions for trademark and service mark as well as links to related resources such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) Trademark Electronic Search System (“TESS”), The North Carolina Trademark / Service Mark database, the North Carolina Secretary of State Business Registration database and the Assumed Business Name database.

Search Trademarks

The Search Trademarks page takes you to a Search Trademarks tool with two dropdown menus and a Search button.

Step 1. Found out if the trademark or service mark is available..

• See NC Search Trademarks.
• Search a NC Trade Name.
• See Search Federal Trademarks.
• See Search Asummed Business Name database

Step 2. Before You Can Register a Mark - You Must Use the Mark.

The North Carolina Trademarks statute requires bona fide use of a mark in the ordinary course of trade and not a reservation to use the mark; which means you cannot register the mark now with the intent to use it in the future.

Step 3. A trademark shall be deemed to be “used” on goods when the mark is placed.

Step 4. A service mark shall be deemed to be “used” when the mark is.

Step 5. Submit Three (3) Specimens Showing “Use” of the Trademark or Service Mark.

Step 6. Frequently Asked Questions

• Read the frequently asked questions before attempting to complete the application.