How Much Does a Trademark Cost?

A trademark is a symbol, word, or phrase that distinguishes a brand or business from others in the marketplace. Trademarks are important for protecting your brand and preventing others from using your unique identifier for their own profit. But how much does it cost to obtain a trademark? In this article, we will explore the different costs associated with obtaining a trademark.

What is a trademark?

A trademark is a type of intellectual property that protects a brand’s unique identifier from use by others. It can be a symbol, word, or phrase that is used to identify a particular brand or business. Unlike copyrights, which protect original works of authorship, trademarks protect the identifying features of a brand or business.

Reasons for Getting a Trademark

There are several reasons why a business might want to obtain a trademark. One of the primary reasons is to prevent others from using their unique identifier for their own profit. A trademark can also help build brand recognition and protect a business’s reputation. Additionally, a trademark can be used to license or sell the brand to others for a profit.

Federal vs. State Trademarks

When it comes to trademarks, there are two main options to consider: federal trademarks and state trademarks. Federal trademarks are more expensive and take longer to get than state trademarks, but they provide nationwide protection. The federal trademark registration process involves several steps, including a detailed application, examination by the USPTO, and potential additional costs if any issues arise. The fees associated with federal trademark registration can vary, but they generally include an initial application fee and possibly additional fees for legal assistance or responses to USPTO actions.

On the other hand, state trademarks only apply within the state’s borders. Each state will have its own rules, fees, and methods of getting a state trademark.

It’s important to note that if you’re planning to conduct business across state lines, a federal trademark may be the better option. But if you’re only doing business within one state, a state trademark may suffice.

Base Federal Trademark Filing Fee Costs

As of January 18, 2025, the USPTO has eliminated the TEAS Plus and TEAS Standard options. The new base application filing fee is $350 per class of goods and services for all applicants. But this is just the base fee. Additional fees may apply, such as:

• A $100 per class surcharge for insufficient information. Missing information could include things like the applicant’s home address, the applicant’s legal entity, or a signed declaration that the facts in the application are true.
• A $200 per class surcharge for using the free-form text box instead of the Trademark ID Manual within the electronic application to identify goods and services
• A $200 per affected class fee for each additional group of 1,000 characters in the free-form text box beyond the first 1,000

The USPTO also charges fees for Section 1(b) intent-to-use applications. In addition to paying the base application fee per class and any additional fees that you may incur, later in the process might have to pay:

• $150 per class when you file an amendment to allege use or a statement of use to claim you’re using your trademark in commerce
• $125 per class if you file a request for an extension of time to file a statement of use

Trademark lawyers often charge a flat fee for basic services like trademark searches and applications.

Classes of Goods and Services

When you apply for a trademark, you must specify the classes of goods and services that your trademark will cover. The USPTO has 45 different international classes, and the cost of your trademark depends on the number of classes you choose. Each international class represents a specific category of products or services that your trademark will protect, and different goods or services may fall under distinct international classes, impacting the total filing cost.

As of January 18, 2025, the USPTO charges a $350 base application fee per class of goods or services. As mentioned above, additional surcharges may apply depending on how you fill out your application.

For example, if you want to trademark a name for clothing, you would need to apply under Class 25 (Clothing, Footwear, Headwear). If you also sell handbags and accessories, you may need an additional trademark class, such as Class 18 (Leather Goods). Each additional class will incur another $350 filing fee plus any applicable surcharges. Registering items under multiple international classes can significantly increase the overall cost of your trademark application.

Because the cost of a trademark increases with multiple classes, it’s important to carefully choose the classes that best fit your business. If you’re unsure, consulting a trademark attorney or service provider can help ensure your application covers all necessary categories.

How much does it cost to trademark a name and logo?

The cost to buy a trademark for your name and logo can vary depending on various factors such as the type of trademark, the number of classes of goods and services, and the completeness and complexity of your application. The filing fee for a federal trademark application is now $350 per class of goods and services, following the 2025 USPTO fee updates. Additional surcharges may apply if certain conditions are not met. State trademarks are substantially less expensive, ranging from around $15.00 to $70.00.

Additionally, if you use an attorney or filing service to prepare and file your application, you can expect to pay additional fees. Overall, the cost to trademark a name and logo can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Costs of Renewing Trademarks

Once you’ve successfully registered your trademark, you’ll need to renew it periodically to keep it in force. The renewal fees are due every 10 years, and the current fees (as of 2025) are:

• Section 8 Declaration of Use: $325 per class
• Section 9 Renewal Application: $325 per class
• Combined Section 8 & 9 Filing: $650 per class

Maintenance fees are required to keep the trademark registration active. These fees involve submitting certain maintenance filings and attestations regarding the use of the mark for the listed goods or services.

These fee changes are detailed in the USPTO’s official fee schedule. It’s important to keep track of your renewal deadlines and budget for the renewal fees.

Cost of a Trademark Attorney

While it’s possible to file a trademark application on your own, many businesses choose to work with a trademark attorney to ensure that their application is filed correctly and to handle any legal issues that may arise. The cost of hiring a trademark attorney can vary depending on the attorney’s experience and location, but it’s typically a few thousand dollars.

Another option is to use a trademark filing service. These can be more affordable, but they may lack the ability to handle more complex trademarks.

We can help!

While we can’t help with the trademark application process at this time, if you’re starting a new business and need help with various aspects of forming your business, ZenBusiness can help. Our platform makes it easy to file your formation documents and access a variety of other services to help your business succeed. With ZenBusiness, you can focus on growing your business while we take care of the paperwork.