A Trademark or Servicemark protects the name, slogan or logo of a business or product. The Secretary of State is the filing agent for state Trademarks, Emblems, and Farm/Ranch/Home Name Registrations under the laws of South Dakota. The Secretary of State does not process copyrights, patents or federal US trademarks.
A Patent protects an invention and can be filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office. That is also the office that would file and answer questions regarding federal US Trademarks. US Patent & Trademark Office: 1-800-786-9199 or www.USPTO.gov.
A Copyright protects an original artistic or literary work and all questions can be directed to the US Copyright Office: 1-877-476-0778 or www.Copyright.gov.
For questions, please contact our trademark office at:
South Dakota Secretary of State
Attn: Trademarks
500 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
(605)773-4845
[email protected]