TRADE NAME, TRADEMARK, SERVICE MARK NAME RESERVATION INSTRUCTIONS Print 

Carefully review all entries made to your online filing. This is an official document and requested edit(s) or change(s) to the filing will require subsequent submission of change documents and incur additional fees.

Important: Processing of registration is subject to availability of the requested name. Filings are not final until satisfactory completion of statutory requirements is verified by the Secretary of State�s office. A link to retrieve registration documents containing a validation number will be provided to the filer upon successful filing.

Preliminary availability of names can be checked through our Commercial Database. Names should be searched by spelling and phonetically for deceptive similarities. Subject to limited exceptions, a trade name must be distinguishable from other trade names, corporate or limited liability company names previously registered with the Secretary of State�s office. Other rules do apply. Trademarks and Service Marks will only conflict with a trademark or service mark filed in the same class. A thorough reading of the laws pertaining to corporate and limited liability company names is required, or you may consult the attorney of your choice.

Specific instructions for completion of the online application:

  1. On the Original Filings page, select Name Reservation for Trade Name, Trademark, Service Mark and click the Continue button.
  2. Fill in all of the requested information as follows:
    1. Select whether you want to reserve a Trade Name, Trademark or Service Mark.
    2. Type the complete name you wish to reserve.
    3. Enter the name of the person or company on whose behalf you are requesting the reservation.
    4. Enter the address of the Contact Person.
    5. Enter and verify the email address of the contact person. (You will enter it once in the Email: section and once again in the Verify Email: section).
    6. Type your name in the signature box. (By typing your name, you are certifying that the information contained in our records, as reviewed by you, is accurate and you are ready to submit your filing.)
    7. If you are reserving a trademark or service mark, you will have to choose at least one class. Please note that there is a $25 fee for each class chosen.
    8. Select the �Next� button to verify all the information you just entered.
    9. If you have any changes that need to be made, you may select the �Back� button to make changes to the entered information. If all is correct, select the �Checkout & File� button to proceed to the payment screen.
  3. Enter requested credit card information and your email address.
  4. Select the �Purchase� button. Note: Do not press the �Back� button or the �Purchase� button more than once as multiple charges could occur.
  5. At this point, your check out is complete and your application has been submitted.
  6. You will see a �Display Receipt� button. If you would like a copy of the receipt for your records, select the button and then select the �Print� button. Please note that your order number is printed on the receipt. You will need this order number for later retrieval of your documents.
  7. After you have printed your receipt, select the �Close� button to return to the checkout complete screen.
  8. You will receive an email notification to check the status of your filing.
  9. After the filing is reviewed and accepted you will receive another email notification for retrieval of your documents.