Help participants change their identities or relocate.
Remove or delete existing public records.
Offer legal advice.
Relieve participants of their legal or financial responsibilities.
What is a trademark?
A trademark is any word, name, symbol, device or combination thereof used by a person to identify goods made or sold and to distinguish them from the goods made or sold by another person. In general, you use a trademark to identify a product or goods that are sold (examples include soft drinks, automobiles, magazines and food).
What happens to mail sent to the substitute address?
The Safe at Home Program will receive all first class and certified mail sent to the substitute address and then forward that mail to the participant at their designated mailing address.
How do I change my business address?
You can file form SS-4800 to change the mailing address by mail or in person. A change in Registered Agent or principal address requires filing Articles of Amendment and paying the statutory $20 filing fee. Forms can be found on our the Forms & Fees page for mail and in person filings.
Our Commitment to Diversity
Commitment of Respect
The staff of the Tennessee State Library and Archives affirms its ongoing dedication to treating all people with respect and dignity. Libraries and archives have a long history of working to provide equal access to resources and services for all communities. We also recognize our duty to achieve an archival collection that reflects the experiences of Tennessee’s diverse population from urban to rural, farm to factory, and across the demographic spectrum. We acknowledge that our work in this area is never complete and remain available to community partners from every part of our society. We will continue to apply the highest standards of professionalism and respect in our work as we welcome visitors and develop new ways for Tennesseans to access information and interact with their historical records. As individuals we stand with all persons seeking justice and an end to any discriminatory practice that undermines the value of human life.
How do I renew a registered trademark or service mark?
Per state and local guidelines, face coverings are now optional for the public and staff. Staff will continue maintaining the recommended six feet distance when interacting with visitors.
What are the laws governing trademark registration in the state of Tennessee?
The Tennessee Trade Mark Act of 2000 governs trademark registration in Tennessee. The Tennessee Trade Mark Act of 2000 can be found in the Tennessee Code Annotated, Sections 47-25-501 through 47-25-518.
Briefcases, bags, totes, purses, and notebooks are subject to examination by a staff member when entering or leaving the Reading Room.
Lockers are available for patrons to store belongings during their visit. The Library & Archives is not responsible for any personal items left unattended. Visitors using original manuscripts will be required to leave their belongings in a locker.
Backpacks must be stored in a locker. If a backpack is too large to fit in a locker, then it must either be locked in the patron's vehicle or stored in the main lobby while using Library & Archives materials.
What is the mode or manner of use?
How the applicant is using the mark. For example, “business cards”, “letterhead”, “flyers”, “signs”, “labels”, “newspaper advertisements”, “billboards”, “bus benches”, “television advertisements”, “websites”.
For what reason might an application for registration or renewal of trademark be rejected by the Division of Business Services?
The reasons for rejection include, but are not necessarily limited to:
An incomplete form is submitted. All blanks must be filled in for both registration and renewal applications.
An acceptable specimen is not provided. A specimen is required for both registration and renewal applications.
No signature.
Incomplete dates. Dates must include month, day and year.
The application is completed in pencil. All registration and renewal applications must be typewritten or completed in ink.
Failure to include the $20.00 per classification filing fee.
Failure to include the type of goods and/or services to be provided.
Failure to include the mode or manner of use.
Failure to include a classification in the application.
A new owner is listed in a renewal application.
What is a service mark?
A service mark is the same as a trademark, except that a service mark is used by a person to identify services rendered or offered and to distinguish them from the services rendered or offered by another person. The services must be provided to the public or any party other than the applicant. In general, you use a service mark to identify services that are offered or sold (examples include restaurant, retail business and computer services).