Explore opportunities and assistance available near you. Filing a federally registered trademark in North Carolina for your franchise could help you avoid having to register.Call today to protect your brand. One of the first steps you should take to protect your brand is to file a trademark on items such as your name, slogan and logo. File a trademark application and other documents online through TEAS. Check application status (TSDR). To apply for a patent, you must file an application and pay required fees. Are you applying for a patent? Learn more about how a provisional patent can be used to protect your innovation in the interim. A registered trademark also grants the owner the right to take legal action against infringement.