Missouri law
Intellectual Property Laws in Missouri.
Most intellectual property law is federal: patents (35 U.S.C.), copyright (17 U.S.C.), and federal trademarks (15 U.S.C.). Missouri provides state-law trademark registration through the Secretary of State, common-law trademark protection, trade-secret protection under the Missouri Uniform Trade Secrets Act, and right of publicity under common law and RSMo § 407.1500. Patent and federal trademark matters are litigated in the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern or Western District of Missouri.
Last verified: 2026-04-17
State law
Key Missouri Statutes
Patents are entirely federal. USPTO issues utility, design, and plant patents.
Copyright protection attaches automatically upon fixation; registration required before filing an infringement suit.
Federal trademark registration through the USPTO provides nationwide priority.
State-level trademark registration through the Missouri Secretary of State.
Misappropriation of trade secrets is actionable with injunctive relief, damages, and exemplary damages up to 2x for willful misappropriation.
Missouri prohibits the unauthorized commercial use of a person's name, voice, signature, photograph, or likeness during the person's lifetime and for 50 years after death.
State law
Official Sources
Not Legal Advice
This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.
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