Bill > S0476

This bill updates Florida's trademark registration and protection laws by requiring the Department of State to annually adopt the United States Patent and Trademark Office's classification system for goods and services, effective each year by July 1, and publish this classification as part of the trademark registration form. The bill eliminates the existing detailed list of specific goods and service classes and creates a new requirement for the department to establish a secure online registration system by July 1, 2027, which will allow applicants to submit applications, renewals, specimens, drawings, pay fees, and complete verifications electronically. Additionally, the bill modifies application requirements, specifying that paper applications must be accompanied by three specimens showing the mark's actual use, while electronic applications must include an electronic copy of a specimen. The bill aims to modernize and streamline the trademark registration process in Florida by leveraging digital technologies and standardizing classification practices with federal guidelines. The technical amendments will take effect on July 1, 2026.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/476