The proposed bill, titled the Technical Trademark Amendments Act of 2026, aims to update the registration and protection of trademarks in Florida. It mandates the Department of State to adopt the United States Patent and Trademark Office's classification system for goods and services annually by July 1, ensuring that this classification is included in the trademark registration form. The bill also removes specific general classes of goods and services from the current law. Additionally, it establishes a new section requiring the department to create and maintain a secure online registration system by July 1, 2027, which will facilitate various tasks for applicants, including submitting applications and required specimens electronically.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing statutes to clarify that every paper application must include a specified number of specimens showing the mark as used, while electronic applications must include an electronic copy of such specimens. The language in the bill updates the requirements for application verification and specifies that the verification process must comply with existing legal standards. The effective date for the bill is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 476 Filed: 495.111