Trade names can be protected under state law if they are distinctive and not confusingly similar to existing trade names. Does the Secretary of State's Office provide any law enforcement services to address trademark or service mark infringement?Don't: Try to Register More Than One Mark In The Same Application. Only one mark may be registered per application. What is a Trademark? Even before you begin registration, however, it's vital to determine whether the mark you are trying to register is considered a trademark or a service mark. An attorney could help you with securing a federally registered trademark in North Carolina to protect your intellectual property with regards to franchising.