§ 1-404. Registration authorized

   (a) In general. -- If a person uses a mark in the State, the person may register the mark in accordance with this subtitle.

(b) Exceptions. -- A person may not register a mark that:

   (1) is deceptive, immoral, or scandalous;

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

      (i) a belief;

      (ii) an individual, living or dead;

      (iii) an institution; or

      (iv) a national symbol;

   (3) is, simulates, or includes a coat of arms, flag, or other insignia of a government;

   (4) is or includes the name, portrait, or signature of a living individual, except with the written consent of the individual; or

   (5) is likely, when applied to the goods or services of the person, to confuse or deceive because the mark resembles:

      (i) another mark registered in the State; or

      (ii) a mark or trade name that another person has used in the State and has not abandoned.

(c) Limited exception. --

   (1) Unless the mark has become distinctive of the person's goods or services, a person may not register a mark that:

      (i) only describes or deceptively misdescribes goods or services;

      (ii) primarily describes or deceptively misdescribes the geographic origin of goods or services; or

      (iii) is primarily merely a surname.

   (2) As evidence that a mark has become distinctive of the goods or services of a person, the Secretary of State may accept proof that the person has used the mark as a mark in the State or elsewhere continuously for at least 5 years immediately before the day on which the person applies for registration.

(d) Registration of trade name prohibited. -- A person may not register a trade name that is not a mark.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 41, § 3-101, 3-102, 3-103; 1992, ch. 4, § 2.