(a)
(1) This subchapter shall not affect any suit, proceeding, or appeal pending prior to August 1, 1997.
(2)
(A) All acts relating to marks and parts of any other acts inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed on August 1, 1997.
(B) Provided, that as to any application, suit, proceeding, or appeal pending at the time this subchapter takes effect, and for that purpose only, such repeal shall be deemed not to be effective until final determination of said pending application, suit, proceeding, or appeal.
(b)
(1) The intent of this subchapter is to provide a system of state trademark registration and protection substantially consistent with the federal system of trademark registration and protection under the Trademark Act of 1946, as amended.
(2) To that end, the construction given the federal act should be examined as persuasive authority for interpreting and construing this subchapter.