The bill amends Florida Statutes regarding the registration of trademarks by removing existing provisions related to the classification of goods and services. It mandates that the Department of State adopt the United States Patent and Trademark Office's classification system annually by July 1, and requires this classification to be published as part of the trademark registration application. Additionally, the bill creates a new section that requires the department to establish a secure online platform for submitting trademark registration and renewal applications, with specific requirements for safeguarding applicant information and ensuring data integrity.

Furthermore, the bill updates the application process by specifying that all applications must be signed and verified according to a new standard, and it introduces requirements for both paper and online applications to include specimens of the trademark as used. The online application system is required to be operational by July 1, 2027. The effective date for the overall act is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 696 Filed: 495.111