Committee approves administrative cancellation for trade names and trademarks to speed removal of fraudulent filings

The Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Committee voted 5-0 to advance Senate File 53, a proposal that would allow the Wyoming Secretary of State—s Office to administratively cancel trade name and trademark registrations when filings appear false or fraudulent.

The bill—would add an administrative cancellation process for trade names and trademarks that mirrors existing authority the secretary already uses for corporations and limited liability companies. Under the draft adopted by the committee, the office would send a written notice and give registrants 60 days to respond with sworn, satisfactory evidence; if the response is inadequate, the office could cancel the registration. The statute would preserve the right to judicial review and possible reinstatement by a court.

Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray, presenting the measure, said the change arose from the office—s…