81R1327 CLG-F

By: Watson S.B. No. 1187

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the registration and protection of trademarks.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 16, Business & Commerce Code, is amended to read as follows:

CHAPTER 16. TRADEMARKS

SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 16.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:

(1) "Applicant" means a person applying for registration of a mark under this chapter and includes the person's legal representative, successor, and assignee.

(2) "Dilution" means dilution by blurring or dilution by tarnishment, without regard to the presence or absence of:

(A) competition between the owner of a famous mark and another person;

(B) actual or likely confusion, mistake, or deception; or

(C) economic harm.

(3) "Dilution by blurring" means an association arising from the similarity between a mark or trade name and a famous mark that impairs the famous mark's distinctiveness.

(4) "Dilution by tarnishment" means an association arising from the similarity between a mark or trade name and a famous mark that harms the famous mark's reputation.

(5) "Mark" includes a trademark or service mark that is registrable under this chapter, regardless of whether the trademark or service mark is actually registered.

(6) "Person," with respect to the applicant or another person who is entitled to a benefit or privilege or is rendered liable under this chapter, includes:

(A) a natural person; and

(B) a firm, partnership, corporation, association, union, or other organization that may sue or be sued in that capacity.

(7) "Registrant" means the person to whom a registration of a mark has been issued under this chapter and includes the person's legal representative, successor, or assignee.

(8) "Service mark":

(A) means a word, name, symbol, or device, or any combination of those terms, used by a person to:

(i) identify and distinguish the services of one person, including a unique service, from the services of another; and

(ii) indicate the source of the services, regardless of whether the source is unknown; and

(B) includes the titles, character names used by a person, and other distinctive features of radio or television programs, regardless of whether the titles, character names, or programs advertise the sponsor's goods.

(9) "Trade name" means a name used by a person to identify the person's business or vocation.

(10) "Trademark" means a word, name, symbol, or device, or any combination of those terms, used by a person to:

(A) identify and distinguish the person's goods, including a unique product, from the goods manufactured or sold by another; and

(B) indicate the source of the goods, regardless of whether the source is unknown.

Sec. 16.002. INAPPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER. This chapter does not apply to the registration or use of a livestock brand or other indicia of ownership of goods that do not qualify as a mark.

Sec. 16.003. WHEN MARK CONSIDERED TO BE IN USE. (a) A mark is considered to be in use in this state in connection with goods when:

(1) the mark is placed in any manner on:

(A) the goods;

(B) containers of the goods;

(C) displays associated with the goods;

(D) tags or labels affixed to the goods; or

(E) documents associated with the goods or sale of the goods, if the nature of the goods makes placement described by Paragraphs (A) through (D) impracticable; and

(2) the goods are sold or transported in commerce in this state.

(b) A mark is considered to be in use in this state in connection with services when:

(1) the mark is used or displayed in this state in connection with selling or advertising the services; and

(2) the services are rendered in this state.

(c) A mark made merely to reserve a right in the mark is not considered to be in use in this state in connection with goods or services.

Sec. 16.004. WHEN MARK CONSIDERED TO BE ABANDONED. (a) A mark is considered to be abandoned when:

(1) the mark's use has been discontinued with intent not to resume the use; or

(2) the owner's conduct, including an omission or commission of an act, causes the mark to lose its significance as a mark.

(b) Intent not to resume use of a mark under Subsection (a)(1) may be inferred from the circumstances.

(c) Nonuse of a mark as described by Subsection (a)(1) for three consecutive years constitutes prima facie evidence of the mark's abandonment.

[Sections 16.005-16.050 reserved for expansion]

SUBCHAPTER B. REGISTRATION OF MARK

Sec. 16.051. REGISTRABLE MARKS. (a) A mark that distinguishes an applicant's goods or services from those of others is registrable unless the mark:

(1) is, or contains matter that is, immoral, deceptive, or scandalous;

(2) is or contains matter that may disparage, falsely suggest a connection with, or bring into contempt or disrepute:

(A) a person, whether living or dead;

(B) an institution;

(C) a belief; or

(D) a national symbol;

(3) depicts, contains, or simulates the flag, the coat of arms, or other insignia of:

(A) the United States;

(B) a state;

(C) a municipality; or

(D) a foreign nation;

(4) is or contains the name, signature, or portrait of a particular living individual who has not consented in writing to the mark's registration;

(5) when used on or in connection with the applicant's goods or services:

(A) is merely descriptive or deceptively misdescriptive of the applicant's goods or services; or

(B) is primarily geographically descriptive or deceptively misdescriptive of the applicant's goods or services;

(6) is primarily merely a surname; or

(7) is likely to cause confusion or mistake, or to deceive, because, when used on or in connection with the applicant's goods or services, it resembles:

(A) a mark registered in this state; or

(B) an unabandoned mark or trade name previously used by another person.

(b) Subsection (a)(5) or (6) does not prevent the registration of a mark used by the applicant that has become distinctive as applied to the applicant's goods or services. The secretary of state may accept as evidence that a mark has become distinctive, when used on or in connection with the applicant's goods or services, proof of continuous use of the mark as such by the applicant in this state for the five years preceding the date on which the claim of distinctiveness is made.

Sec. 16.052. CLASSIFICATION OF GOODS AND SERVICES. (a) The secretary of state shall adopt rules establishing a classification of goods and services for the convenient administration of this chapter. The classifications established under this section may not limit or expand an applicant's or registrant's rights. To the extent practicable, the classification of goods and services must conform to the classification of goods and services adopted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

(b) An applicant may include in a single application for registration of a mark any or all goods or services in connection with which the mark is actually being used and the appropriate class or classes of the goods or services.

(c) If a single application for registration of a mark includes goods or services that belong in multiple classes, the secretary of state may require payment of a fee for each class of goods or services.

Sec. 16.053. APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION. (a) Subject to the limitations prescribed by this chapter, a person who uses a mark may file an application to register the mark in the office of the secretary of state on a form and in the manner prescribed by the secretary of state.

(b) The application must include:

(1) the name and business address of the applicant;

(2) if the applicant is a corporation, the state under whose laws the applicant was incorporated or organized;

(3) if the applicant is a partnership, the state under whose laws the partnership was organized and the names of the general partners;

(4) the names or a description of the goods or services on or in connection with which the mark is being used;

(5) the mode or manner in which the mark is being used on or in connection with the goods or services;

(6) the class to which the applicant believes the goods or services belong;

(7) the date the applicant or applicant's predecessor in interest first used the mark anywhere;

(8) the date the applicant or the applicant's predecessor in interest first used the mark in this state; and

(9) a statement that:

(A) the applicant is the owner of the mark;

(B) the mark is in use; and

(C) to the knowledge of the person verifying the application, no other person:

(i) has registered the mark, either federally or in this state; or

(ii) is entitled to use the mark in this state:

(a) in the identical form used by the applicant; or

(b) in a form that is likely, when used on or in connection with the goods or services of the other person, to cause confusion or mistake, or to deceive, because of its resemblance to the mark.

(c) The secretary of state may also require the application to include a statement as to whether the applicant or the applicant's predecessor in interest has filed an application to register the mark, or a portion or composite of the mark, with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and, if so, the applicant shall fully disclose information with respect to that filing, including:

(1) the filing date and serial number of each application;

(2) the status of the filing; and

(3) if any application was finally refused registration or has not otherwise resulted in the issuance of a registration, the reasons for the refusal or nonissuance.

(d) The applicant shall submit as part of the application to the secretary of state:

(1) three specimens of the mark as actually used; and

(2) an application fee payable to the secretary of state.

(e) The application must be signed and verified by the oath or affirmation of:

(1) the applicant; or

(2) a member of the firm or officer of the corporation or association that is applying for registration of the mark, as applicable.

(f) The secretary of state may also require an applicant to submit as part of the application a drawing of the mark that complies with any requirement specified by the secretary of state.

Sec. 16.054. EXAMINATION OF APPLICATION. (a) On the filing of an application for registration and payment of the application fee, the secretary of state shall examine the application for compliance with this chapter.

(b) The applicant shall provide to the secretary of state additional pertinent information requested by the secretary of state, including a description of a design mark.

Sec. 16.055. AMENDMENT TO APPLICATION. (a) In response to the secretary of state's rejection of or objection to the registration, the applicant may amend, or authorize the secretary of state to amend, the application on reasonable request of the secretary of state or if the applicant considers it advisable.

(b) The secretary of state, on agreement by the applicant, may amend the application submitted by the applicant.

(c) The secretary of state may require the applicant to execute and submit a new application instead of amending the application.

Sec. 16.056. DISCLAIMER OF UNREGISTRABLE COMPONENT. (a) The secretary of state may require the applicant to disclaim an unregistrable component of a mark that is otherwise registrable. An applicant may voluntarily disclaim a component of a mark sought to be registered.

(b) A disclaimer may not prejudice or affect:

(1) the rights of the applicant or registrant in the disclaimed matter; or

(2) the rights of the applicant or registrant to submit another application to register the mark if the disclaimed matter is or has become distinctive of the applicant's or registrant's goods or services.

Sec. 16.057. CONCURRENT APPLICATIONS FOR SAME OR SIMILAR MARK. (a) When concurrently processing applications for the same or confusingly similar marks used on or in connection with the same or related goods or services, the secretary of state shall give priority to the application that was filed first. If a prior filed application is registered, the secretary of state shall reject any other subsequently filed application.

(b) An applicant whose application is rejected under this section may bring an action for cancellation of the previously issued registration on the ground that the applicant has a prior or superior right to the mark under this chapter.

Sec. 16.058. DENIAL OF REGISTRATION. (a) If the secretary of state determines that the applicant is not entitled to register the mark, the secretary of state shall:

(1) notify the applicant of the reason for the denial of the application; and

(2) give the applicant reasonable time as prescribed by the secretary of state in which to:

(A) issue a response to the denial; or

(B) amend the application.

(b) The applicant may repeat the examination procedures described by Subsection (a) until the earlier of:

(1) the expiration of the period prescribed by the secretary of state under Subsection (a)(2); or

(2) the date on which the secretary of state finally refuses registration of the application.

(c) If the applicant fails to respond to the denial or to amend the application within the period prescribed by the secretary of state under Subsection (a)(2), the application is considered to have been abandoned.

(d) If the secretary of state finally refuses registration of the mark, the applicant may seek a review of the decision of the secretary of state in accordance with the procedures prescribed by Section 16.101.

Sec. 16.059. REGISTRATION BY SECRETARY OF STATE. (a) If the application satisfies the requirements of this chapter, and the application fee has been paid, the secretary of state shall:

(1) issue a certificate of registration to the applicant; and

(2) deliver the certificate of registration to the applicant.

(b) The certificate of registration must:

(1) be signed by the secretary of state;

(2) be issued under the secretary of state's official seal;

(3) indicate the name and business address of the person claiming ownership of the mark;

(4) if the applicant is a corporation, indicate the state under whose laws the applicant was incorporated or organized;

(5) if the applicant is a partnership, indicate the state under whose laws the partnership was organized and the names of the general partners;

(6) include a description of the goods or services on or in connection with which the mark is being used;

(7) state the class to which the goods or services belong;

(8) state the date claimed for the first use of the mark anywhere;

(9) state the date claimed for the first use of the mark in this state;

(10) show a reproduction of the mark;

(11) state the registration date; and

(12) state the term of the registration.

Sec. 16.060. TERM OF REGISTRATION. The registration of a mark under this chapter expires on the fifth anniversary of the date of registration.

Sec. 16.061. RENEWAL OF REGISTRATION. (a) The registration of a mark under this chapter may be renewed for an additional five-year term by filing a renewal application in the form and manner prescribed by the secretary of state not later than the 180th day before the date the registration expires. The registrant shall submit to the secretary of state:

(1) a renewal application that includes a verified statement stating that the mark has been and is still in use in this state;

(2) a specimen of the mark, as actually used on or in connection with the goods or services; and

(3) a renewal fee payable to the secretary of state.

(b) A mark for which a registration was in effect on August 31, 2009, continues in effect for the unexpired term of the registration and may be renewed by complying with the requirements for renewal under this section.

Sec. 16.062. RECORD AND PROOF OF REGISTRATION. (a) The secretary of state shall keep for public examination a record of all:

(1) marks registered or renewed under this chapter;

(2) assignments recorded under Section 16.065; and

(3) other instruments recorded under Section 16.066.

(b) A certificate of registration issued by the secretary of state under this chapter, or a copy of the certificate of registration certified by the secretary of state, is admissible in evidence in any court action as prima facie proof of the validity of the registration.

Sec. 16.063. CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION. (a) The secretary of state shall cancel a registration:

(1) in force on August 31, 2009, that is more than 10 years old and has not been renewed under Section 16.061(b);

(2) on receipt of a voluntary request for cancellation from the registrant under this chapter or the registrant's assignee of record;

(3) granted under this chapter and not renewed under Section 16.061(a); or

(4) with respect to which a court has rendered a judgment finding that:

(A) the registered mark has been abandoned;

(B) the registrant under this chapter or under a prior law of this state is not the owner of the mark;

(C) the registration was granted improperly;

(D) the registration was obtained fraudulently;

(E) the registered mark is or has become the generic name for the goods or services, or part of the goods or services, in connection with which the mark was registered;

(F) the registered mark is so similar, as to be likely to cause confusion or mistake or to deceive, to a mark that:

(i) is registered by another person in the United States Patent and Trademark Office before the date the application for registration was filed under this chapter; and

(ii) is not abandoned; or

(G) the registration was canceled by order of a court on any ground.

(b) If a registrant's mark is considered for cancellation under Subsection (a)(4)(F) and the registrant proves that the registrant is the owner of a mark concurrently registered as a mark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office to cover a geographical area that includes a part of this state, the secretary of state may not cancel registration of the mark for the geographical area of this state covered by the federal registration.

Sec. 16.064. ASSIGNMENT OF MARK AND REGISTRATION. (a) A mark and its registration under this chapter are assignable with the goodwill of the business in which the mark is used, or with that part of the goodwill of the business connected with the use of, and symbolized by, the mark.

(b) An assignment must be made by a properly executed written instrument.

Sec. 16.065. RECORDING OF ASSIGNMENT AND ITS EFFECT. (a) An assignment made under Section 16.064 may be recorded with the secretary of state by:

(1) filing the original assignment or a copy of the original assignment certified by any party to the assignment, or their successors; and

(2) paying a recording fee to the secretary of state.

(b) If an assignment has been properly filed for record under Subsection (a), the secretary of state shall issue in the assignee's name a new certificate of registration for the remainder of the term of the mark's registration or last renewal.

(c) The assignment of a mark registered under this chapter is void against a purchaser who purchases the mark for valuable consideration after the assignment is made and without notice of it unless the assignment is recorded by the secretary of state:

(1) not later than the 90th day after the date of the assignment; or

(2) before the mark is purchased.

(d) An acknowledgment is prima facie evidence of the execution of an assignment under this section, and when recorded by the secretary of state, the record is admissible in evidence as prima facie proof of the execution of the assignment.

Sec. 16.066. RECORDING OF OTHER INSTRUMENTS. (a) An instrument of the registrant or applicant effecting a name change of the person to whom the mark was issued or for whom an application was filed may be recorded with the secretary of state by:

(1) filing the original instrument or a copy of the instrument, subject to Subsection (d); and

(2) paying a recording fee to the secretary of state.

(b) Other properly executed written instruments that relate to a mark registered or an application pending with the secretary of state under this chapter, including a license, security interest, or mortgage, may be recorded with the secretary of state, at the secretary of state's discretion.

(c) An acknowledgment is prima facie evidence of the execution of an instrument under this section, and when recorded by the secretary of state, the record is admissible in evidence as prima facie proof of the execution of the instrument.

(d) The secretary of state must accept for recording a copy of an original instrument under this section if the copy is certified by any party to the transaction or the party's successor.

Sec. 16.067. CHANGE OF REGISTRANT'S NAME. If a registrant's name is changed during the unexpired term of a mark's registration, a new certificate of registration may be issued for the remainder of the unexpired term in the new name of the registrant on the filing of an instrument under Section 16.066.

Sec. 16.068. FEES. (a) The secretary of state by rule shall prescribe the amount of fees payable for the filing and recording of applications and other documents under this subchapter and for related services.

(b) Unless specified otherwise by the secretary of state, a fee under this chapter is not refundable.

[Sections 16.069-16.100 reserved for expansion]

SUBCHAPTER C. COURT ACTION

Sec. 16.101. REVIEW OF SECRETARY OF STATE'S DECISIONS. (a) If the secretary of state takes final action refusing to register a mark under Section 16.058 or to renew the registration of a mark under Section 16.061, the applicant or registrant may file suit for review of the secretary of state's decision in a district court of Travis County.

(b) An action brought under this section must be based solely on the record before the secretary of state.

Sec. 16.102. SUIT TO CANCEL REGISTRATION. (a) A person who believes that the person is or will be damaged by a registration under this chapter may sue to cancel the registration. The secretary of state may not be made a party to the proceeding.

(b) The clerk of a court in which suit is filed under Subsection (a) shall give notice of the suit to the secretary of state. The attorney general, at the request of the secretary of state, must be given the right to intervene in the action.

Sec. 16.103. INFRINGEMENT OF REGISTERED MARK. (a) Subject to Section 16.104, a person commits an infringement if the person:

(1) without the registrant's consent, uses anywhere in this state a reproduction, counterfeit, copy, or colorable imitation of a mark registered under this chapter in connection with selling, distributing, offering for sale, or advertising goods or services when the use is likely to deceive or cause confusion or mistake as to the source or origin of the goods or services; or

(2) reproduces, counterfeits, copies, or colorably imitates a mark registered under this chapter and applies the reproduction, counterfeit, copy, or colorable imitation to a label, sign, print, package, wrapper, receptacle, or advertisement intended to be used in selling or distributing, or in connection with the sale or distribution of, goods or services in this state when the use is likely to deceive or cause confusion or mistake as to the source or origin of the goods or services.

(b) A registrant may sue for damages and to enjoin an infringement proscribed by Subsection (a).

(c) If the court determines that there has been an infringement, the court shall enjoin the act of infringement and may:

(1) subject to Subsection (d), require the violator to pay the registrant all profits derived from or damages resulting from the acts of infringement; and

(2) order that the infringing reproductions, counterfeits, copies, or colorable imitations in the possession or under the control of the violator be:

(A) delivered to an officer of the court to be destroyed; or

(B) delivered to the registrant to be destroyed.

(d) If the court finds that the violator acted with actual knowledge of the registrant's mark or in bad faith, the court, in the court's discretion, may:

(1) enter judgment in an amount not to exceed three times the amount of profits and damages; and

(2) award reasonable attorney's fees to the prevailing party.

(e) A registrant is entitled to recover damages under Subsections (c)(1) and (d) only if the violator acted with intent to cause confusion or mistake or to deceive.

(f) The enumeration of any right or remedy under this section does not affect the prosecution of conduct under the penal laws of this state.

Sec. 16.104. EXCEPTIONS TO LIABILITY FOR INFRINGEMENT. Nothing in this chapter adversely affects common law rights acquired before a registration is issued under this chapter or the enforcement of common law rights in marks acquired in good faith before registration of the mark under this chapter.

Sec. 16.105. COURT ACTION. (a) An owner of a mark registered under this chapter may bring an action to enjoin the manufacture, use, display, or sale of any counterfeits or imitations of a mark.

(b) If the court finds that a wrongful act described by Subsection (a) has been committed, the court shall enjoin the wrongful manufacture, use, display, or sale and may:

(1) subject to Subsection (c), require the violator to pay to the owner of the mark all profits derived from or damages resulting from the wrongful acts; and

(2) order that the wrongful counterfeits or imitations in the possession or under the control of the defendant be:

(A) delivered to an officer of the court to be destroyed; or

(B) delivered to the registrant to be destroyed.

(c) If the court finds that the violator committed the wrongful acts with knowledge of the registrant's mark or in bad faith, or otherwise, the court, in the court's discretion, may:

(1) enter judgment in an amount not to exceed three times the amount of profits and damages; and

(2) award reasonable attorney's fees to the prevailing party.

Sec. 16.106. PROCURING APPLICATION OR REGISTRATION BY FRAUD. (a) A person may not procure for the person or another the filing of an application or the registration of a mark under this chapter by knowingly making a false or fraudulent representation or declaration, oral or written, or by any other fraudulent means.

(b) A person injured by the false or fraudulent procurement of an application or registration may sue the person who violated Subsection (a) and recover from the violator damages resulting from use of the fraudulently registered mark.

Sec. 16.107. INJURY TO BUSINESS REPUTATION; DILUTION. (a) Subject to the principles of equity, the owner of a mark that is famous and distinctive, inherently or through acquired distinctiveness, in this state is entitled to enjoin another person's commercial use of a mark or trade name that begins after the mark has become famous if use of the mark or trade name is likely to cause the dilution of the famous mark.

(b) For purposes of this section, a mark is considered to be famous if the mark is widely recognized by the public throughout this state or in a geographic area in this state as a designation of source of the goods or services of the mark's owner. In determining whether a mark is famous, a court may consider factors including:

(1) the duration, extent, and geographic reach of the advertisement and publicity of the mark in this state, regardless of whether the mark is advertised or publicized by the owner or a third party;

(2) the amount, volume, and geographic extent of sales of goods or services offered under the mark in this state;

(3) the extent of actual recognition of the mark in this state; and

(4) whether the mark is registered in this state or in the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

(c) In an action brought under this section, the owner of a famous mark is entitled to injunctive relief throughout the geographic area in this state in which the mark is found to have become famous before the use of the other mark. If the court finds that the person against whom the injunctive relief is sought wilfully intended to cause the dilution of the famous mark, the owner shall also be entitled to remedies under this chapter, subject to the court's discretion and principles of equity.

(d) A person may not bring an action under this section for:

(1) a fair use, including a nominative or descriptive fair use, or facilitation of the fair use, of a famous mark by another person other than as a designation of source for the person's own goods or services, including a fair use in connection with:

(A) advertising or promoting that permits consumers to compare goods or services; or

(B) identifying and parodying, criticizing, or commenting on the famous mark owner or the famous mark owner's goods or services;

(2) a noncommercial use of the mark; or

(3) any form of news reporting or commentary.

[SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

[Sec. 16.01. DEFINITIONS. (a) In this chapter, unless the context requires a different definition,

[(1) "applicant" means the person applying for registration of a mark under this chapter and includes his legal representative, successor, assignee, and predecessor in title to the mark sought to be registered;

[(2) "mark" includes service mark and trademark;

[(3) "registrant" means the person to whom a registration has been issued under this chapter and includes his legal representative, successor, assignee, and predecessor in title to the registration;

[(4) "service mark" means a word, name, symbol, device, slogan or any combination thereof which, whether registered or not, has been adopted and used by a person to identify his services and distinguish them from the services of others, and includes the titles, designations, character names, and distinctive features of broadcast or other advertising;

[(5) "trademark" means a word, name, symbol, device, slogan or any combination thereof which, whether registered or not, has been adopted and used by a person to identify his goods and distinguish them from the goods manufactured or sold by others; and

[(6) "trade name" includes individual name, surname, firm name, corporate name, and lawfully adopted name or title used by a person to identify his business, vocation, or occupation.

[(b) This chapter does not apply to the registration or use of livestock brands or other indicia of ownership of goods which do not qualify as a "mark" as defined in this chapter.

[Sec. 16.02. WHEN MARK CONSIDERED TO BE USED. (a) A mark is considered to be used in this state in connection with goods when

[(1) it is placed on

[(A) the goods;

[(B) containers of the goods;

[(C) displays associated with the goods; or

[(D) tags or labels affixed to the goods; and

[(2) the goods are sold, displayed for sale, or otherwise publicly distributed in this state.

[(b) A mark is considered to be used in this state in connection with services when

[(1) it is used or displayed in this state in connection with selling or advertising the services; and

[(2) the services are rendered in this state.

[SUBCHAPTER B. REGISTRATION OF MARK

[Sec. 16.08. REGISTRABLE MARKS. (a) A mark in actual use in connection with the applicant's goods or services, which distinguishes his goods or services from those of others, is registrable unless it

[(1) is, or includes matter which is, immoral, deceptive, or scandalous;

[(2) may disparage, or falsely suggest a connection with, or bring into contempt or disrepute

[(A) a person, whether living or dead;

[(B) an institution;

[(C) a belief; or

[(D) a national symbol;

[(3) depicts or simulates the flag, coat of arms, or other insignia of

[(A) the United States;

[(B) a state;

[(C) a municipality; or

[(D) a foreign nation;

[(4) is or includes the name, signature, or portrait of a living individual who has not consented in writing to its registration;

[(5) is

[(A) merely descriptive or deceptively misdescriptive of the applicant's goods or services;

[(B) primarily geographically descriptive or deceptively misdescriptive of the applicant's goods or services; or

[(C) primarily merely a surname; or

[(6) is likely to cause confusion or mistake, or to deceive, because, when applied to the applicant's goods or services, it resembles another person's unabandoned mark registered in this state.

[(b) Subsection (a)(5) of this section does not prevent the registration of a mark that has become distinctive as applied to the applicant's goods or services. The secretary of state may accept as evidence that a mark has become distinctive as applied to the applicant's goods or services proof of substantially exclusive and continuous use of the mark by the applicant in this state for the five years next preceding the date on which the applicant filed his application for registration.

[(c) A trade name is not registrable under this chapter. However, if a trade name is also a service mark or trademark, as defined in this chapter, it is registrable as a service mark or trademark.

[Sec. 16.09. CLASSIFICATION OF GOODS AND SERVICES. (a) The secretary of state shall adopt rules establishing a classification of goods and services for the convenient administration of this chapter. The classifications established do not limit or expand an applicant's or registrant's rights. To the extent practicable, the classification of goods and services should conform to the classification adopted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

[(b) An applicant may include in a single application for registration of a mark all goods or services in connection with which the mark is actually being used and which are in a single class. An applicant may not include in a single application for registration goods or services which are not in a single class.

[Sec. 16.10. APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION. (a) Subject to the limitations prescribed by this chapter, a person may file an application to register a mark in the office of the secretary of state on a form prescribed by the secretary of state.

[(b) The applicant shall include in the application:

[(1) the name and business address of the applicant;

[(2) if the applicant is a corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company, or other business entity, the state of incorporation or organization;

[(3) an appointment of the secretary of state as the applicant's agent for service of process only in suits relating to the registration which may be issued if the applicant:

[(A) is or becomes a:

[(i) nonresident individual, partnership, or association; or

[(ii) foreign corporation, limited partnership, or limited liability company without a certificate of authority to do business in this state; or

[(B) cannot be found in this state;

[(4) the names or a description of the goods or services in connection with which the mark is being used;

[(5) the manner in which the mark is being used in connection with the goods or services;

[(6) the class in which the applicant believes the goods or services belong;

[(7) the date on which the applicant first used the mark anywhere in connection with the goods or services;

[(8) the date on which the applicant first used the mark in this state in connection with the goods or services;

[(9) a statement that the applicant is the owner of the mark, and that, to the best of the applicant's knowledge, no other person is entitled to use the mark in this state:

[(A) in the identical form used by the applicant; or

[(B) in a form that is likely, when used in connection with the goods or services, to cause confusion or mistake, or to deceive, because of its resemblance to the mark used by the applicant;

[(10) a narrative description of the mark; and

[(11) such additional information or documents as the secretary of state may reasonably require.

[(c) The applicant shall:

[(1) prepare and file the application and a copy of the application with the secretary of state; and

[(2) submit as part of the application to the secretary of state:

[(A) two identical specimens or facsimiles of the mark as actually used, one specimen or facsimile with the original application and one specimen or facsimile with the copy;

[(B) a drawing of the mark that complies with any requirement specified by the secretary of state; and

[(C) an application fee of $50 payable to the secretary of state.

[(d) The applicant or the applicant's agent shall sign the application.

[Sec. 16.105. EXAMINATION OF APPLICATION. (a) On the filing of an application for registration and payment of the application fee, the secretary of state shall examine the application for compliance with this chapter.

[(b) The applicant shall provide to the secretary of state additional pertinent information requested by the secretary of state.

[(c) The secretary of state shall examine applications in the order in which the applications are filed, including applications concurrently processed for registration of the same or confusingly similar marks used in connection with the same or similar goods or services.

[Sec. 16.106. AMENDMENT TO APPLICATION. (a) The applicant may make an amendment to the application as reasonably requested by the secretary of state or in response to a rejection or objection to the registration by the secretary of state.

[(b) An amendment to the application, other than an amendment to the date on which the applicant first uses the mark, may be made by the applicant's agent. The secretary of state may require the applicant to execute and submit a new application instead of making an amendment.

[(c) An amendment to the application made to the date on which the applicant first used the mark may not specify a date of use that is after the date on which the application was filed.

[Sec. 16.107. DISCLAIMER OF UNREGISTRABLE COMPONENT. The secretary of state may require the applicant to disclaim or the applicant may voluntarily disclaim an unregistrable component of a mark that is otherwise registrable. A disclaimer may not prejudice or affect the:

[(1) rights of the applicant or registrant in the disclaimed matter; or

[(2) rights of the applicant or registrant to make an application to register a mark if the disclaimed matter is distinctive of the goods or services of the applicant or registrant.

[Sec. 16.108. CONCURRENT APPLICATIONS FOR SAME OR SIMILAR MARK. (a) When concurrently processing applications for the same or confusingly similar marks used in connection with the same or similar goods or services, the secretary of state shall give priority to the application that was filed first. If the previously filed application is registered, the secretary of state shall reject the other application.

[(b) The applicant may bring an action for cancellation of the previously issued registration on the ground that the applicant has a prior or superior right to the mark under this chapter.

[Sec. 16.109. DENIAL OF REGISTRATION. (a) If the secretary of state finds that the applicant is not entitled to register the mark, the secretary of state shall:

[(1) notify the applicant of the reason for the denial of the application; and

[(2) give the applicant a reasonable amount of time as prescribed by the secretary of state in which to:

[(A) issue a response to the denial; or

[(B) amend the application.

[(b) The applicant may repeat the examination procedures described by Subsection (a) until the earlier of:

[(1) the expiration of the period prescribed by the secretary of state under Subsection (a)(2); or

[(2) the date on which the secretary of state finally refuses registration of the application.

[(c) If the secretary of state finally refuses registration of the mark, the applicant may seek a review of the decision of the secretary of state in accordance with the procedures prescribed by this chapter.

[Sec. 16.11. REGISTRATION BY SECRETARY OF STATE. If the application satisfies the requirements of this chapter, and the application fee has been paid, the secretary of state shall:

[(1) endorse on the original and the copy of the application:

[(A) the word "filed"; and

[(B) the date on which the application was filed;

[(2) file the original in his office;

[(3) issue a certificate of registration evidencing registration on the date on which the application was filed;

[(4) attach the copy to the certificate of registration; and

[(5) deliver the certificate of registration with the attached copy of the application to the applicant.

[Sec. 16.12. TERM OF REGISTRATION. (a) The registration of a mark under this chapter is effective for a term of 10 years from the date of registration.

[Sec. 16.13. NOTICE OF EXPIRATION OF REGISTRATION. (a) During the period beginning 12 months and ending 6 months before the day a registration expires, the secretary of state shall, by writing to the last known address of the registrant under this chapter or under a prior act, notify the registrant of the necessity for renewing or reregistering under Section 16.14 of this code.

[(b) Neither the secretary of state's failure to notify a registrant nor the registrant's nonreceipt of a notice under Subsection (a) of this section

[(1) extends the term of a registration; or

[(2) excuses the registrant's failure to renew or reregister.

[Sec. 16.14. RENEWAL OF REGISTRATION AND REREGISTRATION. (a) The registration of a mark under this chapter may be renewed for an additional 10-year term by filing a renewal application within six months before the day the registration expires. The registrant shall submit to the secretary of state:

[(1) a renewal application stating that:

[(A) the mark is still in use in this state; or

[(B) nonuse of the mark in this state:

[(i) is due to special circumstances which excuse the nonuse; and

[(ii) is not due to an intention to abandon the mark in this state; and

[(2) a renewal application fee of $25 payable to the secretary of state.

[(b) A registrant may renew a registration under Subsection (a) of this section for successive terms of 10 years.

[(d) The renewal application must be signed by the registrant or the registrant's agent.

[Sec. 16.15. RECORD, NOTICE, AND PROOF OF REGISTRATION. (a) The secretary of state shall keep for public examination a record of all:

[(1) marks registered, reregistered, or renewed under this chapter;

[(2) assignments recorded under Section 16.18 of this code; and

[(3) other instruments recorded under Section 16.19 of this code.

[(b) Registration of a mark under this chapter is constructive notice throughout this state of the registrant's claim of ownership of the mark throughout this state.

[(c) A certificate of registration issued by the secretary of state under this chapter, or a copy of it certified by the secretary of state, is admissible in evidence as prima facie proof of

[(1) the validity of the registration;

[(2) the registrant's ownership of the mark; and

[(3) the registrant's exclusive right to use the mark in commerce in this state in connection with the goods or services specified in the certificate, subject to any conditions and limitations stated in the certificate.

[Sec. 16.16. CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION. (a) The secretary of state shall cancel

[(1) all registrations in force before May 2, 1962, which are more than 10 years old and which have not been reregistered under Section 16.14(c) of this code;

[(2) a registration on receipt of a voluntary request for cancellation from the registrant under this chapter or under a prior act as identified by the records of the secretary of state;

[(3) registrations granted under this chapter and not renewed under Section 16.14(a) of this code;

[(4) a registration concerning which a district or appellate court has rendered a final judgment, which has become unappealable, cancelling the registration or finding that

[(A) the registered mark has been abandoned;

[(B) the registrant under this chapter or under a prior act is not the owner of the mark;

[(C) the registration was granted contrary to the provisions of this chapter;

[(D) the registration was obtained fraudulently; or

[(E) the registered mark has become incapable of serving as a mark.

[(b) The clerk of the court whose final judgment cancels a registration or makes any of the findings specified in Subsection (a)(4) of this section shall, when the judgment becomes unappealable, transmit a certified copy of it to the secretary of state.

[Sec. 16.17. ASSIGNMENT OF MARK AND REGISTRATION. (a) A mark and its registration under this chapter are assignable with the goodwill of the business in which the mark is used, or with that part of the goodwill connected with the use of, and symbolized by, the mark.

[(b) An assignment shall be made by duly executed written instrument.

[Sec. 16.18. RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT AND ITS EFFECT. (a) An assignment made under Section 16.17 of this code may be recorded with the secretary of state by

[(1) filing with him

[(A) the original assignment; and

[(B) a duplicate original or legible photocopy on durable paper of the assignment; and

[(2) paying him a fee of $10.

[(b) If an assignment has been properly filed for record under Subsection (a) of this section, the secretary of state shall

[(1) issue in the assignee's name a new certificate of registration for the remainder of the term of the mark's registration, reregistration, or last renewal;

[(2) endorse on the original and duplicate original assignment or photocopy the

[(A) words "Filed for record in the office of the Secretary of State, State of Texas"; and

[(B) date on which the assignment was filed for record;

[(3) file the duplicate original or photocopy of the assignment in his office; and

[(4) return the endorsed original assignment to the assignee or his representative.

[(c) The assignment of a mark registered under this chapter is void against a purchaser who purchases the mark for value after the assignment is made and without notice of it unless the assignment is recorded by the secretary of state

[(1) within three months after the date of the assignment; or

[(2) before the mark is purchased.

[Sec. 16.19. RECORDATION OF OTHER INSTRUMENTS. (a) An instrument that is related to the ownership of a mark registered under this subchapter, including articles of merger or conversion or a document effecting a name change, may be recorded with the secretary of state by:

[(1) filing a certified copy of the instrument; and

[(2) paying a filing fee in the amount established for the filing of an assignment under Section 16.18.

[(b) This section does not apply to the recording of a mortgage or a security interest or other instrument that is recordable under the Uniform Commercial Code.

[(c) A license agreement related to a mark registered under this chapter may not be recorded under this section.

[Sec. 16.20. TRANSFER OF MARK; CHANGE OF REGISTRANT'S NAME; CHANGE OF ADDRESS. (a) If ownership of a registered mark is transferred or a registrant's name is changed during the unexpired term of a registration, a new certificate of registration may be issued for the remainder of the unexpired term of the mark's registration in the name of the transferee or in the new name of the registrant upon the filing of an instrument under Section 16.19.

[(b) The secretary of state may amend the trademark records of an effective registration to reflect a change of registrant address upon receipt of a statement signed by the registrant or the registrant's agent. The statement must set forth the name of the registrant of record, a description of the registered mark, the registration number issued by the secretary of state, and the registrant's new address.

[Sec. 16.21. POWERS OF SECRETARY OF STATE. (a) The secretary of state may adopt rules relating to the filing of documents under this subchapter.

[(b) The secretary of state may prescribe forms for use in filing documents under this subchapter.

[Sec. 16.22. ELECTRONIC FILINGS AND REPRODUCTIONS. (a) An application for renewal of trademark registration, an assignment under Section 16.17, or a transfer of ownership or change of registrant name under Section 16.19 may be submitted in an electronic format that is approved by the secretary of state. An instrument that is filed in accordance with this subsection is deemed to have complied with:

[(1) the filing requirements of the section pursuant to which it is filed; and

[(2) any requirement that the document be submitted as an originally signed instrument.

[(b) All electronic acknowledgments and certificates required to be issued by the secretary of state for the instruments filed pursuant to Subsection (a) shall be considered issued or provided by the secretary of state on the initial transmission by the secretary of state of the acknowledgment or certificate required to be filed.

[(c) Any certificate issued by the secretary of state concerning any instrument filed under this subchapter need not be on paper or reduced to printed form.

[(d) If permitted by the rules adopted by the secretary of state, an original instrument required or authorized to be filed with the secretary of state under this subchapter may be a photographic, photostatic, facsimile, or similar reproduction of a signed instrument.

[(e) All civil and criminal penalties applicable to the filing of documents under this chapter apply to all documents filed pursuant to this section.

[SUBCHAPTER C. COURT ACTION

[Sec. 16.24. REVIEW OF SECRETARY OF STATE'S DECISIONS. (a) If the secretary of state takes final action refusing to register a mark under Section 16.109 or to renew the registration of a mark under Section 16.14, the applicant or registrant may file suit for review of the secretary of state's decision in one of the Travis County district courts.

[(b) A suit filed under Subsection (a) of this section is tried de novo, as an appeal from a justice court to a county court, and

[(1) every decision or action concerning an issue in the suit made or taken by the secretary of state before the suit was filed is void;

[(2) the district court shall determine the issues in the suit as if no decision had been made or action taken by the secretary of state; and

[(3) the district court may not apply in any form the substantial evidence rule in reviewing a decision or action of the secretary of state.

[(c) The legislature declares that

[(1) this section is not severable from the other sections of this chapter;

[(2) it would not have enacted this chapter without this section; and

[(3) this chapter is void if a court in a final judgment which becomes unappealable invalidates this section in whole or part.

[Sec. 16.25. SUIT TO CANCEL REGISTRATION. (a) A person who believes that he is or will be damaged by a registration under this chapter may sue to cancel the registration in a district court having venue.

[(b) The clerk of a court in which suit is filed under Subsection (a) of this section shall transmit notice of the suit to the secretary of state, who shall place the notice in the registration file with proper notations and endorsements.

[(c) When the registrant's agent for service of process is the secretary of state, the secretary of state shall forward notice of the suit by registered mail to the registrant at his last address of record.

[(d) If the court finds that the losing party in a suit filed under Subsection (a) of this section should have known his position was without merit, the court may award the successful party his reasonable attorneys' fees and charge them as part of the costs against the losing party.

[Sec. 16.26. INFRINGEMENT OF REGISTERED MARK. (a) Subject to Section 16.27 of this code, a person commits an infringement if, without the registrant's consent, he

[(1) uses anywhere in this state a reproduction, counterfeit, copy, or colorable imitation of a mark registered under this chapter in connection with selling, offering for sale, or advertising goods or services when the use is likely to deceive or cause confusion or mistake as to the source or origin of the goods or services; or

[(2) reproduces, counterfeits, copies, or colorably imitates a mark registered under this chapter and applies the reproduction, counterfeit, copy, or colorable imitation to a label, sign, print, package, wrapper, receptacle, or advertisement intended to be used in selling, leasing, distributing, or rendering goods or services in this state when the use is likely to deceive or cause confusion or mistake as to the source or origin of the goods or services.

[(b) A registrant may sue for damages and to enjoin an infringement proscribed by Subsection (a) of this section in a district court having venue.

[(c) If the district court determines that there has been an infringement, it shall enjoin the act of infringement and may

[(1) require the infringer to pay the registrant all damages resulting from the acts of infringement and occurring from and after the date two years before the day the suit was filed; and

[(2) order that the infringing reproductions, counterfeits, copies, or colorable imitations in the possession or under the control of the infringer be

[(A) delivered to an officer of the court;

[(B) delivered to the registrant; or

[(C) destroyed.

[(d) A registrant is entitled to recover damages under Subsection (c)(1) of this section only for an infringement that occurred during the period of time the infringer had actual knowledge of the registrant's mark.

[Sec. 16.27. EXCEPTIONS TO LIABILITY FOR INFRINGEMENT. (a) No registration under this chapter adversely affects common law rights acquired prior to registration under this chapter. However, during any period when the registration of a mark under this chapter is in force and the registrant has not abandoned the mark, no common law rights as against the registrant of the mark may be acquired.

[(b) The owner or operator of a radio or television station, or the owner or publisher of a newspaper, magazine, directory, or other publication, is not liable in that business under Section 16.26 of this code for the use of a registered mark furnished by one of his advertisers or customers.

[Sec. 16.28. PROCURING APPLICATION OR REGISTRATION BY FRAUD. (a) No person may procure for himself or another the filing of an application or the registration of a mark under this chapter by knowingly making a false or fraudulent representation or declaration, oral or written, or by any other fraudulent means.

[(b) A person injured by the false or fraudulent procurement of an application or registration may sue the person who violated Subsection (a) of this section in a district court having venue and

[(1) recover from him damages resulting from use of the fraudulently registered mark, plus costs of suit, including attorneys' fees; and

[(2) have the registration cancelled.

[Sec. 16.29. INJURY TO BUSINESS REPUTATION OR TRADE NAME OR MARK. A person may bring an action to enjoin an act likely to injure a business reputation or to dilute the distinctive quality of a mark registered under this chapter or Title 15, U.S.C., or a mark or trade name valid at common law, regardless of whether there is competition between the parties or confusion as to the source of goods or services. An injunction sought under this section shall be obtained pursuant to Rule 680 et seq. of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.

[Sec. 16.30. OLYMPIC SYMBOLS. (a) Without the permission of the United States Olympic Committee, a person may not, for the purpose of trade, to induce the sale of goods or services, or to promote a theatrical exhibition, athletic performance, or competition, use:

[(1) the symbol of the International Olympic Committee, consisting of five interlocking rings;

[(2) the emblem of the United States Olympic Committee, consisting of an escutcheon having a blue chief and vertically extending red and white bars on the base with five interlocking rings displayed on the chief;

[(3) a trademark, trade name, sign, symbol, or insignia falsely representing association with or authorization by the International Olympic Committee or the United States Olympic Committee; or

[(4) the words "Olympic," "Olympiad," or "Citius Altius Fortius" or a combination or simulation of those words that tends to cause confusion or mistake, to deceive, or to suggest falsely a connection with the United States Olympic Committee or an Olympic activity.

[(b) On violation of Subsection (a), the United States Olympic Committee is entitled to the remedies available to a registrant on infringement of a mark registered under this chapter.

[Sec. 16.31. CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly or intentionally signs and presents or causes to be presented for filing a document that may be or is required to be filed under this chapter and that:

[(1) indicates that the person signing the document has the authority to act on behalf of an applicant or registrant when the person is not authorized to act on behalf of the applicant or registrant;

[(2) contains a material false statement; or

[(3) is forged.

[(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor unless the actor's intent is to defraud or harm another, in which event the offense is a state jail felony.]

SECTION 2. The intent of this Act is to provide a system of trademark registration and protection in this state that is substantially consistent with the federal system of trademark registration and protection under the Trademark Act of 1946, as amended. To that end, the construction given to the Trademark Act of 1946 (15 U.S.C. Section 1051 et seq.) should be examined as persuasive authority for interpreting and construing this Act.

SECTION 3. The changes in law made by this Act do not affect any suit, proceeding, or appeal pending on the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.