(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 merely a 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.