# Georgia Trademark Registration

*Published:* 2025-12-04
*Author:* admin

![Georgia state trademark registration guide hero image with outline and skyline in flat blue style](https://bonamark.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/georgia-trademark-registration-guide-hero-1024x683.png)

If you operate in Georgia and want to protect a brand name, logo, or slogan only within the state, a **Georgia state trademark** can be a fast and affordable option. It will not replace federal protection, but it can help you secure priority in Georgia, stop local copycats, and support enforcement on marketplaces and social media.

This guide walks you through the official steps for registering and maintaining a state trademark with the **Georgia Secretary of State — Corporations Division**, and explains when it makes sense to upgrade to a federal USPTO registration instead.

**Key Facts**
-------------

- **Authority:** [Georgia Secretary of State](https://sos.ga.gov/), Corporations Division.
- **Fee:** USD $15 per application (non-refundable).
- **Specimens:** Three specimens of use must be submitted with the application.
- **Term:** Registration is valid for 10 years; renewal every 10 years with a new $15 filing.
- **Scope:** Protection only within Georgia; for nationwide protection, you need a federal USPTO registration (filing fees typically $350–$550 per class).

If you are already selling or plan to sell across several states, consider a [federal U.S. trademark registration](https://bonamark.com/services/trademark-registration/) instead of, or in addition to, a Georgia state registration.

![Georgia trademark key facts 2025 infographic with fee, specimens, term and authority details](https://bonamark.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/georgia-trademark-registration-key-facts.png.png)**What is a Georgia state trademark?**
--------------------------------------

A **state trademark in Georgia** is a word, name, symbol, logo or combination that identifies your goods or services and is registered only at the state level. It:

- protects your mark within Georgia against confusingly similar marks used in the same or related goods/services;
- puts your claim on public record;
- can support legal actions in state courts and complaints to platforms.

It does not give you nationwide rights. For broader protection, you still need a federal USPTO registration.

**Step 1: Search existing trademarks in Georgia**
-------------------------------------------------

Before you file anything, make sure your mark is available.

Before filing, conducting a thorough trademark search is essential to reduce the risk of refusal or future disputes. In Georgia, you should review the state trademark database maintained by the Georgia Secretary of State, as well as the federal database of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). A proper search should not only look for identical marks but also similar names, phonetic variations, and related goods or services that could create a likelihood of confusion. While the state database helps identify prior Georgia registrations, checking the federal register ensures you do not conflict with an existing nationwide trademark.

1. **Search Georgia’s trademark records  
    Use the **Georgia Corporations Division** online search for registered trademarks and service marks (on the same site where you search business entities). Look for: 
    - exact matches,
    - similar spellings,
    - phonetically similar names,
    - translations or abbreviations.
2. **Check beyond the state  
    Even if the Georgia database is clear, conflicts may still exist. Make sure to check: 
    - **USPTO TESS** for federal trademarks,
    - domain names and major social media handles,
    - a basic web search for business names and products.
3. **Assess the risk  
    If you see marks that look or sound similar for related goods/services, your application may face refusal or later disputes.

*Need a deeper clearance?* Bonamark offers professional trademark search services that combine state, federal, and international databases and provide a risk assessment before you file.

**Step 2: Prepare your Georgia trademark application**
------------------------------------------------------

Georgia uses a standard **Application – Trademark or Service Mark Registration (Form TMAPPL)**. You will need to prepare:

- **Owner details** – individual or business name, address and email.
- **Mark format** – word mark, logo, or both (for stylized marks, attach a clear drawing or depiction).
- **Description of goods/services** – what you actually sell under the mark.
- **Date of first use** – when you first used the mark in commerce in Georgia.
- **Class of goods/services** – based on the classification list in the form instructions.
- **Specimens of use** – see below.

### **Specimens: what Georgia requires**

Georgia requires you to submit **three (3) specimens** showing current use of the mark in commerce. All three must be samples of the same specimen.

Acceptable examples include:

- product labels, packaging, or tags;
- brochures, catalogs, or printed ads;
- website screenshots clearly showing the mark together with the goods or services;
- business cards or letterheads (for services).

Make sure the specimens match exactly how the mark is described in the application and show real use in Georgia, not just a mock-up.

**Step 3: File your application with the Georgia Secretary of State**
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Currently, Georgia processes trademark applications by mail using the [official form](https://sos.ga.gov/page/trademarks).

1. Complete and sign Form TMAPPL (follow the notarization instructions).
2. Prepare your filing fee: **$15 per application**, payable by check or money order to the Secretary of State (non-refundable).
3. Attach three specimens and the drawing page (for design marks).
4. Mail the package to the Corporations Division address listed on the form.

After filing, the Secretary of State examines your application for compliance with Georgia law (for example, distinctiveness, conflicts and proper use). If there are issues, you may receive correspondence requesting clarification or amendments.

If approved, you will receive a **Certificate of Registration** confirming your state trademark rights.

**Step 4: Use and enforce your Georgia trademark**
--------------------------------------------------

A registration is only as strong as how you use and protect it.

### **Use the mark consistently**

- Use the exact version of the mark as registered.
- Keep your specimens up to date; they may be needed for renewal or enforcement.

### **Monitor for infringements**

- Watch local competitors, marketplaces and social media for confusingly similar marks.
- Pay attention to new business names or signage in your industry.

### **Enforcement options**

If you discover misuse in Georgia, you can:

- send a cease-and-desist letter,
- negotiate coexistence or rebranding,
- escalate to litigation in Georgia courts if necessary.

A Georgia state registration strengthens your position, especially against infringers operating only within the state.

**Step 5: Renewal and maintenance**
-----------------------------------

A Georgia state trademark registration is valid for **10 years** from the registration date. To maintain your rights:

- File a **Renewal Application for Trademark or Service Mark** during the last 6 months of the 10-year term.
- Pay the **$15 renewal fee** (non-refundable).
- Provide an updated specimen of use with the renewal.

**Important:** There is generally no formal grace period. If you miss the renewal deadline, the registration expires and cannot be reinstated; you would need to file a new application.

![Five steps to register a trademark in Georgia infographic with icons in flat blue design](https://bonamark.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/georgia-trademark-registration-guide-steps-1024x683.png)**Georgia state trademark vs federal USPTO registration**
---------------------------------------------------------

**Feature****Georgia State Trademark****Federal (USPTO) Trademark**Scope of protectionWithin the State of Georgia onlyNationwide across all U.S. states and territoriesAuthorityGeorgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division[United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)](https://www.uspto.gov/)Filing fee$15 per applicationTypically $350–$550 per class (TEAS options, per class)Registration term10 years from registration10 years, with use-based filings at year 5–6 and renewalBest forLocal businesses focused on GeorgiaBrands selling or planning to sell across multiple statesAs a rule of thumb:

- A local café, salon, or contractor working only in Georgia may start with a state trademark.
- An e-commerce brand, SaaS company or franchise with national ambitions should consider federal protection.

You can learn more about federal protection on Bonamark’s [U.S. trademark registration service page](https://bonamark.com/services/trademark-registration/).


{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "FAQPage",
  "mainEntity": [
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Do I need a Virginia state trademark to protect my brand?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "No. You may gain common-law rights through use, but state registration offers stronger proof of ownership and simplifies enforcement in Virginia."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How long does it take to get a Virginia state trademark?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Processing usually takes several weeks to a few months, depending on workload and whether your application has conflicts or errors."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What specimens are required for a Virginia trademark?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "You must submit one specimen of the mark in use, plus an exhibit/drawing for stylized marks."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Can I renew my mark after it expires?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "No. There is no grace period. If you miss the renewal deadline, you must file a new application."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "When is a federal USPTO registration a better choice?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "If you operate in several states, sell online nationwide, plan to franchise or license your brand, or need stronger enforcement tools, a federal registration is recommended."
      }
    }
  ]
}