Business Regulation (GBR) — Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Subtitle 1. Definitions
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-101 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 1. Definitions
§ 1–101LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this article the following words have the meanings indicated.
(a–1)
“Active service member” has the meaning stated in § 9–901 of the State Government Article.
(b)
“Clerk” means the clerk of the circuit court for the county with appropriate jurisdiction.
(c)
“Comptroller” means the Comptroller of the State.
(d)
“Consumer member” means a nonprofessional member of a regulatory unit who is appointed from the general public.
(e)
“County” means a county of the State or Baltimore City.
(f)
“Department” means the Maryland Department of Labor.
(g)
“Person” means an individual, receiver, trustee, guardian, personal representative, fiduciary, representative of any kind, partnership, firm, association, corporation, or other entity.
(h)
“Secretary” means the Secretary of Labor.
(i)
“State” means:
(1)
a state, possession, territory, or commonwealth of the United States; or
(2)
the District of Columbia.
(j)
“Uniformed services” has the meaning stated in § 9–901 of the State Government Article.
(k)
“Veteran” has the meaning stated in § 9–901 of the State Government Article.
Subtitle 2. General Provisions
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-201 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 2. General Provisions
§ 1–201LinkCopy Citation
A requirement in this article that a document be under oath means that the document shall be supported by:
(1)
a written statement signed by the individual making it in which the individual solemnly affirms under the penalties of perjury that the contents of the document are true to the best of the individual’s knowledge, information, and belief; or
(2)
a certification of an officer authorized to administer an oath that a named individual made oath that the contents of the document are true to the best of the individual’s knowledge, information, and belief.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-202 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 2. General Provisions
§ 1–202LinkCopy Citation
A false statement made under oath under this article is subject to the penalties of perjury.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-203 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 2. General Provisions
§ 1–203LinkCopy Citation
(a)
If a person fails to comply with a subpoena issued under this article, then, on complaint filed by the issuing authority, a court of competent jurisdiction may order compliance with the subpoena.
(b)
If a person refuses to be sworn or to give evidence before an officer or unit authorized by this article to administer oaths, then, on complaint of the officer or unit, a court of competent jurisdiction may order the person to be sworn or to give evidence.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-204 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 2. General Provisions
§ 1–204LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section does not apply in Baltimore City or Prince George’s and Worcester counties.
(b)
Except as otherwise provided in this article or Title 13, Subtitle 1 and Subtitle 3, Part I and §§ 13–205 and 16–115 of the Local Government Article, a county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of the State may not:
(1)
require a local license in that county, municipal corporation, or political subdivision to engage in a business or occupation for which a State license is required under this article; or
(2)
impose a local fee or tax to engage in a business or occupation for which a State license is required under this article.
(c)
A county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of the State may require a local license if necessary for regulatory purposes in the interest of the public health, safety, or morals.
(d)
A public local law passed after October 1, 1941, does not repeal any provision of this section unless the public local law expressly refers to and repeals the provision.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-205 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 2. General Provisions
§ 1–205LinkCopy Citation
Before a license or permit is issued under this article to an employer to engage in an activity in which the employer may employ a covered employee, as defined in § 9-101 of the Labor and Employment Article, the employer shall file with the issuing authority:
(1)
a certificate of compliance with the Maryland workers’ compensation laws; or
(2)
the number of a workers’ compensation insurance policy or binder.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-206 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 2. General Provisions
§ 1–206LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person who must have a license issued by the Department under this article but does not get the license on time shall pay, in addition to the required license fee, a late fee.
(b)
The late fee shall be the sum of:
(1)
up to 20% of the required license fee for the calendar month following the calendar month when the required license fee is due; and
(2)
up to 4% of the required license fee for each calendar month or part of a month after that.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-207 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 2. General Provisions
§ 1–207LinkCopy Citation
(a)
By August 31 of each year, the Department shall provide to the Department of Assessments and Taxation a list of the following persons issued licenses during the previous fiscal year, to assist the Department of Assessments and Taxation in identifying new businesses within the State:
(1)
managers and promotors, licensed under Title 4 of this article;
(2)
collection agencies, licensed under Title 7 of this article;
(3)
home improvement contractors and subcontractors, licensed under Title 8 of this article;
(4)
employment agencies, licensed under Title 9 of this article;
(5)
heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration contractors with master licenses and master restricted licenses, licensed under Title 9A of this article;
(6)
owners and trainers, licensed under Title 11 of this article; and
(7)
secondhand precious metal object dealers and pawnbrokers, licensed under Title 12 of this article.
(b)
The list provided under this section shall:
(1)
be provided free of charge; and
(2)
include, for each person on the list:
(i)
the name and mailing address of the person; and
(ii)
the federal tax identification number of the person or, if the person does not have a federal tax identification number, the Social Security number of the person.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-208 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 2. General Provisions
§ 1–208LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “license” means all or any part of permission that:
(1)
is required by law to be obtained from a unit;
(2)
is not required only for revenue purposes; and
(3)
is in any form, including:
(i)
an approval;
(ii)
a certificate;
(iii)
a charter;
(iv)
a permit; or
(v)
a registration.
(b)
This section:
(1)
applies only to a fee for an initial license issued for a 2-year term under Title 8, Title 9A, or Title 12 of this article;
(2)
does not apply to a fee renewal of a license; and
(3)
may not affect any other law that requires a unit to prorate a fee on any basis for the issuance or renewal of a license.
(c)
(1)
For a license issued at any time during the first year of the term of the license, the issuing authority shall charge the full amount of the fee to the license applicant.
(2)
For a license issued in the second year of the term of the license, the issuing authority shall charge the license applicant:
(i)
one-half of the fee, if issued in the first 6 months of the second year; or
(ii)
one-quarter of the fee, if issued in the last 6 months of the second year.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-209 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 2. General Provisions
§ 1–209LinkCopy Citation
(a)
If payment of the fee for the issuance or renewal of a license, issued by the Department or by a unit within the Department, is made by a check or other negotiable instrument that is dishonored, the license for which the fee was paid shall be suspended by operation of law. Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the suspension is effective beginning on the tenth business day after the day on which the notice is sent in accordance with subsection (b) of this section until the date that payment of the fee, and any late charge provided for in this article, has been made.
(b)
(1)
When the Department or a unit within the Department receives notice that a check or other negotiable instrument, given by an applicant in payment of a license issuance or renewal fee, has been dishonored, it shall inform the applicant by regular mail sent to the applicant’s last known business address, that the license will be suspended by operation of law if within 10 business days after the date of the notice the applicant fails to make payment of the fee, and any late charge, or fails to present evidence to the Department or unit that the notice of dishonor was in error.
(2)
An applicant shall be given a prompt opportunity to make payment of the fee, and any late charge, or to present evidence to the Department or unit that the notice of dishonor was in error.
(c)
If a license is suspended under subsection (a) of this section, the license shall be reinstated effective the date the license was suspended if within 5 business days from the date of the suspension the applicant:
(1)
pays the fee and late charge; or
(2)
presents evidence to the Department or the unit that the notice of dishonor was in error.
(d)
Suspension of a license under this section may not affect any otherwise valid claim under any guaranty fund made by a person who dealt in good faith with a licensee, without knowledge of the suspension.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-210 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 2. General Provisions
§ 1–210LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A license or permit is considered renewed for purposes of this section if the license or permit is issued by a unit of State government to a person for the period immediately following a period for which the person previously possessed the same or a substantially similar license.
(b)
Before any license or permit may be renewed under this article, the issuing authority shall verify through the Office of the Comptroller that the applicant has paid all undisputed taxes and unemployment insurance contributions payable to the Comptroller or the Secretary of Labor or that the applicant has provided for payment in a manner satisfactory to the unit responsible for collection.
Subtitle 3. Uniform Preservation of Private Business Records Act
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-301 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 3. Uniform Preservation of Private Business Records Act
§ 1–301LinkCopy Citation
In this subtitle, “business record” includes:
(1)
a book of account;
(2)
a canceled check;
(3)
a document;
(4)
a letter;
(5)
a payroll;
(6)
a production report or other record that relates to equipment, personnel, or sales; and
(7)
a voucher.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-302 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 3. Uniform Preservation of Private Business Records Act
§ 1–302LinkCopy Citation
This subtitle applies to each private business, occupation, private institution, and profession, whether or not carried on for profit.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-303 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 3. Uniform Preservation of Private Business Records Act
§ 1–303LinkCopy Citation
This subtitle does not diminish the authority of an officer of the State to allow the destruction of a business record.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-304 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 3. Uniform Preservation of Private Business Records Act
§ 1–304LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section does not apply to:
(1)
a minute book of a corporation; or
(2)
a record of a sale or other transaction that involves a weapon or poison that can be used in committing a crime.
(b)
Unless a specific period is set by law for the preservation of a business record that is required by the laws of this State to be kept, the business record may be destroyed 3 years after it is made.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-305 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 3. Uniform Preservation of Private Business Records Act
§ 1–305LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “reproduction” means a reproduction or durable medium for making a reproduction obtained by a photographic, photostatic, microfilm, microcard, miniature photographic, or other process that accurately reproduces or forms a durable medium for so reproducing the original.
(b)
If, in the regular course of business, a person makes a reproduction of an original business record, the preservation of the reproduction complies with a requirement of a law of the State that the business record be kept.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-306 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 3. Uniform Preservation of Private Business Records Act
§ 1–306LinkCopy Citation
This subtitle shall be construed and interpreted to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law of the states that enact this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-307 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 3. Uniform Preservation of Private Business Records Act
§ 1–307LinkCopy Citation
This subtitle is the Maryland Uniform Preservation of Private Business Records Act.
Subtitle 4. Trademarks, Service Marks, and Trade Names
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-401 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 4. Trademarks, Service Marks, and Trade Names
§ 1–401LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Applicant” includes:
(1)
the owner of a mark, including an individual, an organization, or a company, who submits an application for registration of the mark under this subtitle; and
(2)
an assignee, a legal representative, or a successor of a person who submits an application for registration of a mark under this subtitle.
(c)
“Mark” means a logo, slogan or tag line, program name, brand name that is different from the business name, name, symbol, word, or combination of 2 or more of these that a person:
(1)
places on goods that the person sells or distributes, a container of the goods, a display associated with the goods, or a label or tag affixed to the goods to identify those goods that the person makes or sells and to distinguish them from goods that another person makes or sells; or
(2)
displays or otherwise uses to advertise or sell services that the person performs to identify those services that the person performs and to distinguish them from services that another person performs.
(d)
“Person” includes a governmental entity or unit or instrumentality of a governmental entity.
(e)
“Registrant” includes an assignee, legal representative, or successor of a person who registers a mark under this subtitle.
(f)
“Trade name” means a name, symbol, word, or combination of 2 or more of these that a person uses to identify the business or occupation of the person and to distinguish it from the business or occupation of another person.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-402 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 4. Trademarks, Service Marks, and Trade Names
§ 1–402LinkCopy Citation
This subtitle does not affect adversely a right or the enforcement of a right in a mark acquired in good faith at any time at common law.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-403 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 4. Trademarks, Service Marks, and Trade Names
§ 1–403LinkCopy Citation
The Secretary of State shall keep a public record of the marks registered under this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-404 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 4. Trademarks, Service Marks, and Trade Names
§ 1–404LinkCopy Citation
(a)
If a person uses a mark in the State, the person may register the mark in accordance with this subtitle.
(b)
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)
(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 an individual’s name or 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)
A person may not register a trade name that is not a mark.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-405 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 4. Trademarks, Service Marks, and Trade Names
§ 1–405LinkCopy Citation
(a)
For convenience of administration of this subtitle, the general classes of goods under this subtitle are:
(1)
raw or partly prepared materials.
(2)
animal products.
(3)
baggage, animal equipments, portfolios, and pocketbooks.
(4)
music and audio.
(5)
candles and essential oils.
(6)
chemicals and chemical compositions.
(7)
computers and peripherals.
(8)
smokers’ articles, not including tobacco products.
(9)
explosives, firearms, equipments, and projectiles.
(10)
fertilizers.
(11)
applications and software.
(12)
construction materials.
(13)
hardware and plumbing and steam–fitting supplies.
(14)
flowers and plants.
(15)
oils and greases.
(16)
cannabis.
(17)
novelties and souvenirs.
(18)
medicines and pharmaceutical preparations.
(19)
vehicles.
(20)
small and large appliances.
(21)
electrical apparatus, machines, and supplies.
(22)
games, toys, and sporting goods.
(23)
cutlery, machinery, and tools, and parts thereof.
(24)
boats and marine items.
(25)
educational materials.
(26)
measuring and scientific appliances.
(27)
horological instruments.
(28)
jewelry and precious metalware.
(29)
eyewear.
(30)
crockery, earthenware, and porcelain.
(31)
home goods.
(32)
furniture and upholstery.
(33)
glassware.
(34)
heating, lighting, and ventilating apparatus.
(35)
belting, hose, machinery packing, and nonmetallic tires.
(36)
musical instruments and supplies.
(37)
paper and stationery.
(38)
prints and publications.
(39)
clothing.
(40)
fancy goods, furnishings and notions.
(41)
office goods.
(42)
knitted, netted and textile fabrics, and substitutes therefor.
(43)
security devices.
(44)
dental, medical, and surgical appliances.
(45)
soft drinks and carbonated waters.
(46)
food and ingredients of food.
(47)
wines.
(48)
malt beverages and liquors.
(49)
distilled alcoholic liquors.
(50)
merchandise not otherwise classified.
(51)
cosmetics and toiletries.
(52)
detergents and soaps.
(b)
For convenience of administration of this subtitle, the general classes of services under this subtitle are:
(53)
miscellaneous.
(54)
advertising and business.
(55)
insurance and financial.
(56)
construction and repair.
(57)
communications.
(58)
transportation and storage.
(59)
material treatment.
(60)
education and entertainment.
(61)
employment and employee benefits.
(62)
gardening and farming.
(63)
shipping and packaging.
(64)
government services.
(65)
hospitality and lodging.
(66)
community service and volunteering.
(67)
religious services and charity.
(68)
senior services.
(69)
research and development.
(70)
animal and pest.
(71)
social clubs.
(72)
security and police.
(73)
artistry and design.
(74)
real estate and settlement.
(75)
mental health and wellness.
(76)
medical, vision, and dental health.
(77)
restaurant and food preparation.
(78)
fitness and beauty.
(79)
janitorial and landscape.
(80)
legal and consulting.
(81)
sports and recreation.
(82)
child services.
(83)
funeral.
(84)
recycling and disposal.
(85)
cannabis services.
(c)
The classification of goods and services in this section does not limit or extend the rights of an applicant or registrant.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-406 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 4. Trademarks, Service Marks, and Trade Names
§ 1–406LinkCopy Citation
(a)
An applicant for registration of a mark shall:
(1)
submit to the Secretary of State:
(i)
an application on the form that the Secretary of State provides; and
(ii)
3 different specimens or reproductions of the mark as used; and
(2)
pay to the Secretary of State a fee of $50.
(b)
A specimen or reproduction submitted under subsection (a) of this section may not include a business paper, including letterhead, a business card, or an envelope.
(c)
An application shall be signed, under oath, and the original submitted under subsection (a) of this section:
(1)
for an individual, by the individual;
(2)
for a partnership, by a partner; or
(3)
for a corporation or association, by an officer of the corporation or association.
(d)
In addition to any other information required on an application form, the form shall require:
(1)
the name of the applicant;
(2)
the business address of the applicant;
(3)
for an applicant that is a corporation, limited liability company, or partnership, the state of formation;
(4)
a description of the full mark including words, if applicable;
(5)
a description of the goods or services with which the applicant uses the mark;
(6)
a listing of the ways the mark is being used, including on uniforms, advertising, banners, the Internet, signs, vehicles, and packaging;
(7)
the class under § 1–405 of this subtitle to which the goods or services belong;
(8)
the date when the applicant or the applicant’s predecessor in business:
(i)
first used the mark anywhere; and
(ii)
first used the mark in the State; and
(9)
a statement that:
(i)
the applicant owns the mark;
(ii)
another person does not have the right to use the mark in the State; and
(iii)
the mark is not deceptively similar to a mark that another person has a right to use in the State.
(e)
A single application for registration of a mark:
(1)
may cover use of the mark with any number of goods or services in a single class; but
(2)
may not cover use of the mark with goods or services in different classes.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-407 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 4. Trademarks, Service Marks, and Trade Names
§ 1–407LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Before denying registration of a mark, the Secretary of State shall give the applicant an opportunity for an informal hearing before the Secretary of State or the Secretary’s designee.
(b)
The denial of registration of a mark is not a contested case under Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-409 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 4. Trademarks, Service Marks, and Trade Names
§ 1–409LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Secretary of State shall register the mark of and issue a certificate of registration to each applicant who meets the requirements of this subtitle.
(b)
The Secretary of State shall include on each certificate of registration:
(1)
the signature of the Secretary of State, under the seal of the Secretary of State;
(2)
the name of the registrant;
(3)
the business of the registrant;
(4)
the address of the registrant;
(5)
for a registrant that is a corporation, the state of incorporation;
(6)
the date that the registrant claims to have first used the mark anywhere;
(7)
the date that the registrant claims to have first used the mark in the State;
(8)
a description of the goods or services with which the registrant uses the mark;
(9)
the class under § 1–405 of this subtitle to which the goods or services belong;
(10)
a full description of the mark;
(11)
the date of registration; and
(12)
the term of registration.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-410 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 4. Trademarks, Service Marks, and Trade Names
§ 1–410LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Unless registration of a mark is renewed for a 10-year term as provided in this section, the registration expires on the tenth anniversary of its effective date.
(b)
Within 1 year before registration of a mark expires, the Secretary of State shall mail to the registrant, at the last known address of the registrant:
(1)
a renewal application form; and
(2)
a notice that states:
(i)
the date on which the current registration expires;
(ii)
the date by which the Secretary of State must receive the renewal application for the renewal to be issued and mailed before the registration expires;
(iii)
the amount of the renewal fee; and
(iv)
instructions on how to access the renewal application form online.
(c)
Before the registration of a mark expires, the registrant periodically may renew it for an additional 10–year term if, within 6 months before the expiration of the term of the registration:
(1)
the registrant submits to the Secretary of State:
(i)
a renewal application on the form that the Secretary of State provides; and
(ii)
3 different specimens or reproductions of the mark being used;
(2)
the registrant states in the renewal application that the mark is still in use in the State;
(3)
the mark otherwise is entitled to be registered; and
(4)
the registrant pays to the Secretary of State a renewal fee of $50.
(d)
The Secretary of State shall renew the registration of and issue a renewal certificate to each registrant who meets the requirements of this section.
(e)
A specimen or reproduction submitted under subsection (c) of this section may not include a business paper, including letterhead, a business card, or an envelope.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-411 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 4. Trademarks, Service Marks, and Trade Names
§ 1–411LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A mark and its registration may be assigned with:
(1)
the good will of the business that uses the mark; or
(2)
that part of the good will of the business connected with the mark.
(b)
The assignment shall be by a written, signed instrument.
(c)
A person may record the assignment of registration of a mark by:
(1)
submitting the instrument of assignment by an officer of the assignor to the Secretary of State; and
(2)
paying to the Secretary of State a fee of $10.
(d)
The Secretary of State shall record an assignment of the registration of a mark and issue a new certificate of registration in the name of the assignee to each person who meets the requirements of this section.
(e)
The term of assignment is the rest of the term of registration of the mark.
(f)
An assignment of the registration of a mark under this subtitle is void against a subsequent purchaser for valuable consideration without notice of the assignment unless the assignment is recorded with the Secretary of State:
(1)
within 3 months after the date of the assignment; or
(2)
before the subsequent purchase.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-412 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 4. Trademarks, Service Marks, and Trade Names
§ 1–412LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Secretary of State shall cancel a registration of a mark if:
(1)
the registrant asks that it be canceled;
(2)
the registrant fails to renew it;
(3)
a court of competent jurisdiction orders that it be canceled on any ground; or
(4)
a court of competent jurisdiction finds that:
(i)
the mark is abandoned;
(ii)
the registrant does not own the mark;
(iii)
the registration was granted improperly; or
(iv)
the registration was obtained fraudulently.
(b)
(1)
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Secretary of State shall cancel the registration of a mark if a court of competent jurisdiction finds the mark to be likely to confuse or deceive because it resembles a mark that:
(i)
was registered by another person in the United States Patent Office before the date the registrant applied for registration under this subtitle; and
(ii)
is not abandoned.
(2)
The Secretary of State may not cancel the registration of a mark if the registrant proves that:
(i)
the registrant holds a concurrent registration of the mark in the United States Patent Office; and
(ii)
the registration in the United States Patent Office covers an area that includes the State.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-413 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 4. Trademarks, Service Marks, and Trade Names
§ 1–413LinkCopy Citation
A person who, for the person or for another, applies to register or registers a mark under this subtitle by knowingly making a false or fraudulent representation, orally or in writing, or by other fraudulent means is liable for any damages sustained as a result of the application or registration.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-414 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 4. Trademarks, Service Marks, and Trade Names
§ 1–414LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Subject to § 1-402 of this subtitle, a person may not:
(1)
use, without the consent of the registrant, a reproduction or colorable imitation of a mark registered under this subtitle in connection with the sale, offering for sale, or advertising of goods or services if the use is likely to confuse or deceive about the origin of the goods or services; or
(2)
reproduce or colorably imitate a mark registered under this subtitle and apply the reproduction or colorable imitation to an advertisement, label, package, print, receptacle, sign, or wrapper that is intended to be used:
(i)
with goods or services; or
(ii)
in conjunction with the sale or other distribution of goods or services in the State.
(b)
(1)
A person who violates this section is liable in a civil action to a registrant for any remedy provided in this section.
(2)
A registrant may recover profits or damages from a person who violates subsection (a)(2) of this section only if the person intended that the mark be used to confuse or deceive.
(c)
A registrant may sue to enjoin the display, manufacture, sale, or use of a reproduction or colorable imitation of a mark of the registrant.
(d)
A court of competent jurisdiction may:
(1)
grant an injunction to restrain the display, manufacture, sale, or use of a reproduction or colorable imitation of a registered mark;
(2)
require the defendant to pay to the registrant for the wrongful display, manufacture, sale, or use of a reproduction or colorable imitation of a mark:
(i)
any profit that the defendant derived;
(ii)
any damages that the registrant suffered; or
(iii)
both; and
(3)
require the defendant to deliver to an officer of the court or to the registrant, for destruction, any reproduction or colorable imitation of the mark that is in the possession or under the control of the defendant.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-415 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 4. Trademarks, Service Marks, and Trade Names
§ 1–415LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person may not, with intent to defraud, do business in the State under or imitate a name, title, or trade name that is the same as, or similar to, that used by another person already doing business in the State.
(b)
This section does not apply to individuals with similar names.
(c)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine not exceeding $100 for each day that the offense is committed.
Subtitle 5. Currency Transactions in a Trade or Business
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-501 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 5. Currency Transactions in a Trade or Business
§ 1–501LinkCopy Citation
It is the purpose of this subtitle to require certain reports and records of transactions involving currency where such reports and records have a high degree of usefulness in criminal investigations or proceedings that pertain to the subject of the report.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-502 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 5. Currency Transactions in a Trade or Business
§ 1–502LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Currency” means currency and coin of the United States or any other country.
(c)
“Department” means the Maryland Department of Labor.
(d)
“Person engaged in a trade or business” means an individual, partnership, limited liability company, firm, trust, estate, association, corporation, or other entity:
(1)
engaged in vehicle sales, including motor vehicle, airplane, and boat sales;
(2)
that conducts real estate closings and settlements; or
(3)
engaged in the sale or pledging of jewelry.
(e)
“Secretary” means the Secretary of Labor.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-503 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 5. Currency Transactions in a Trade or Business
§ 1–503LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person engaged in a trade or business who, in the course of that trade or business, receives more than $10,000 in currency in 1 transaction shall keep a record of the transaction and shall file with the Department within 15 days of the date of the transaction a report of the transaction.
(b)
The reporting requirements of this section are complied with if the person engaged in a trade or business files with the Department a duplicate copy of the report required by 26 U.S.C. § 6050-I.
(c)
The Secretary shall adopt regulations appropriate to carry out the purposes of this subtitle and to provide for exemption of transactions that are clearly of a legitimate nature for which mandatory reporting would serve no useful purpose.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-504 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 5. Currency Transactions in a Trade or Business
§ 1–504LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Department of State Police, and the Office of the Attorney General shall have access to and shall be authorized to inspect and copy any reports filed with the Department under this article.
(b)
The Department may make the contents of a report available to other criminal justice agencies only for purposes of investigation or prosecution of the subject of the report.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-505 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 5. Currency Transactions in a Trade or Business
§ 1–505LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
The Secretary may assess a civil penalty against a person engaged in a trade or business for each knowing and willful violation of this subtitle.
(2)
The civil penalty may not exceed $50 for each day the violation continues.
(3)
For purposes of this section, a separate violation occurs at each office, branch, or place of business where a violation occurs or continues.
(4)
The total civil penalty may not exceed $1,000.
(b)
In the event of the failure of a person to pay a penalty assessed under this section, a civil action for recovery of the penalty may be brought by the State against the person.
Subtitle 6
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-601 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 6
§ 1–601LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
(1)
“Cash” means United States coins and currency.
(2)
“Cash” does not include:
(i)
a paper instrument other than a Federal Reserve note; or
(ii)
a gift card.
(c)
“Customer” means a purchaser of a good or service from a merchant.
(d)
“Merchant” means a person engaged in the trade or business of the sale of goods or services.
(e)
“Price” means the amount due and payable by a customer for a good or service after a merchant:
(1)
subtracts any discount or deduction; and
(2)
applies any applicable tax or fee.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-602 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 6
§ 1–602LinkCopy Citation
This subtitle:
(1)
does not apply to a transaction for a good or service paid with exact change; and
(2)
may not be construed to authorize a merchant to round a price for a good or service in a manner that alters the calculation of any tax or fee applicable to the transaction.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-603 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 6
§ 1–603LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to the portion of the price of an in–person transaction or a telephone, mail, or Internet transaction for which a customer pays using cash if the price totals at least 5 cents.
(b)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a merchant doing business in the State may:
(1)
round the price for a good or service in the following manner:
(i)
if the price ends in 1 cent, 2 cents, 6 cents, or 7 cents, by rounding the price down to the nearest cent divisible by five; or
(ii)
if the price ends in 3 cents, 4 cents, 8 cents, or 9 cents, by rounding the price up to the nearest cent divisible by five; or
(2)
round the amount of change due to a customer up or down consistent with item (1) of this subsection.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-604 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 6
§ 1–604LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to the portion of the price of an in–person transaction or a telephone, mail, or Internet transaction for which a customer pays using cash if the price totals less than 5 cents.
(b)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a merchant doing business in the State may round the price for a good or service by rounding the price up to 5 cents.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-605 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 6
§ 1–605LinkCopy Citation
This subtitle supersedes any regulation, rule, or ordinance that conflicts with this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 1-606 (2026)
Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Subtitle 6
§ 1–606LinkCopy Citation
The Secretary may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.