Why consider a state trademark registration?
A. Federal trademark registration requires use of the trademark in commerce regulated by Congress–interstate, foreign, with the Native American tribes, or other regulated commerce. An intrastate business may wish to provide statewide public notice of its trademark. If a business wants prompt government recognition of its trademark, state registrations may be available within two weeks; federal registrations generally take at least a year. A new business without tangible assets–as is common in the computer industry–may wish government documents recognizing its intangible assets–trademarks and copyrights. Other tactical considerations may suggest state trademark registration.
