how do i trademak our company's name? both nationally and in the state of s.c.?

Answer 1

To register a trademark, contact either your Secretary of State for a State trademark or the US Patent & Trademark Office for a Federal trademark.

If you are only conducting business in one state, then a State trademark is most appropriate. If you conduct business in at least 2 states OR between the US & any other country, you can file for a Federal trademark.

If you file a Federal application, it's not necessary to also file a State. However, since the fee is only $15 per International Classification, you may want to filing a State trademark as well. The States process trademark applications much quicker than the Federal government.

Prior to investing your time, money & effort into a name, it is strongly advised that comprehensive research be conducted to ensure that the name you're interested in is truly available.

This entails searching the pending & registered Federal and State trademark files as well as the US National Common-Law files. Then, if clear, you can decide if you would like to file for a Federal or a State trademark.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

http://www.uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm

There are several resources within the USPTO website. These include information as well as online capabilities for every stage of the registration process. In fact, you can conduct most of your trademark business with the USPTO online.Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with our site before you begin the trademark application process.

If you get a U.S. Federal trademark it is good in all 50 states.