If you’re planning to protect your brand, one of the first questions you’ll ask is, how much does a trademark cost? The answer depends on several factors, including how many products or services you want to protect, whether you file yourself or hire a professional, and if the USPTO requests additional filings during the process.
This guide explains Trademark registration costs. You’ll learn about USPTO filing fees, attorney fees, renewal costs, hidden expenses, and ways to avoid paying more than necessary. Whether you want to trademark a business name, slogan, or logo, knowing the costs in advance helps you plan your budget and avoid surprises.
Key Takeaways
- The USPTO charges a base filing fee of $350 per class for most new trademark applications.
- Your total cost depends on the number of classes you file under.
- Intent-to-use applications may require additional fees later.
- Attorney fees are separate from USPTO filing fees.
- Trademark protection also includes maintenance and renewal costs after registration.
- Filing correctly the first time can help you avoid extra expenses.
What Are Trademark Registration Costs?
Trademark registration costs include every expense involved in getting and keeping a federal trademark. Many people think they only pay one filing fee, but that’s only part of the process.
In most cases, you’ll pay:
- USPTO filing fees
- Attorney or filing service fees (if you use one)
- Search and clearance costs
- Additional USPTO fees (when applicable)
- Renewal and maintenance fees after registration
The amount you pay depends on your application and how complex it is. Some businesses spend only the government filing fee, while others pay more because they need legal help or file in multiple trademark classes. The USPTO also charges extra fees for certain filings and situations, so it helps to understand the full picture before you apply.
USPTO Trademark Cost Breakdown
The largest part of your trademark budget is usually the government filing fee paid to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Here’s the current fee structure.
| USPTO Filing | Fee (Per Class) |
| Base trademark application | $350 |
| Statement of Use (Intent-to-Use applications) | $150 |
| Amendment to Allege Use | $150 |
| Six-month extension for Statement of Use | $125 |
| Section 8 Declaration (Maintenance) | $325 |
| Section 9 Renewal | $325 |
These fees apply per trademark class, not per application. If your business sells products in more than one class, you’ll pay the fee for each class you choose.
Understanding the $350 USPTO Filing Fee
The current USPTO trademark cost starts at $350 per class for most electronic applications.
For example:
- One trademark in one class = $350
- One trademark in two classes = $700
- One trademark in three classes = $1,050
Each class represents a different category of goods or services.
For example:
- Clothing
- Software
- Restaurant services
- Consulting services
If your business operates in multiple categories, you’ll likely need more than one class, which increases your filing cost.
Why Trademark Classes Affect Your Cost
Many first-time applicants are surprised that trademarks are filed by class.
For example, if you own:
- A clothing brand
- An online retail store
You may need separate trademark classes for each business activity.
The more classes you file, the more your total cost increases.
| Number of Classes | Government Filing Fee |
| 1 | $350 |
| 2 | $700 |
| 3 | $1,050 |
| 4 | $1,400 |
Choosing the right classes is important because adding unnecessary classes increases your filing costs, while missing a required class can leave parts of your business unprotected.
Additional USPTO Fees You Should Know About
The base application fee is not always the final amount.
Depending on your application, the USPTO may charge additional fees.
Examples include:
- Using custom descriptions instead of approved wording
- Providing incomplete application information
- Filing an Intent-to-Use application
- Requesting an extension of time
- Filing certain petitions
Most applicants only pay the base filing fee, but knowing these possible charges helps you avoid unexpected costs.
Example Trademark Registration Costs
Here are a few common examples.
Example 1: Small Business
Business Name
- One trademark
- One class
Total USPTO filing fee: $350
Example 2: Clothing Brand
Business Name + Logo
- Two trademarks
- One class each
Total USPTO filing fee: $700
Example 3: Online Store Selling Multiple Product Types
Business Name
- Three classes
Total USPTO filing fee: $1,050
If you hire an attorney or filing service, those professional fees are added separately.
Attorney Fees vs. USPTO Filing Fees
Many people think the USPTO filing fee is the only expense, but that is not always true.
The USPTO trademark cost covers only the government filing fee. If you hire a trademark attorney or a professional filing service, you’ll pay separate service fees.
Here’s the difference:
| Expense | Who Receives the Payment? | Typical Cost |
| USPTO Filing Fee | USPTO | $350 per class |
| Trademark Search | Attorney or Service Provider | Varies |
| Application Preparation | Attorney or Service Provider | Varies |
| Office Action Response | Attorney (if needed) | Varies |
| Trademark Monitoring | Optional Service | Varies |
Hiring a professional often reduces the chances of filing mistakes that can lead to delays or additional costs.
If you’re looking for best Trademark registration services in USA, working with experienced professionals can help you choose the correct trademark class, prepare your application properly, and respond to USPTO requests if needed.
How Much Does It Cost to Trademark a Logo?
One of the most common questions business owners ask is, How much does it cost to trademark a logo?
The answer depends on the same factors as registering a business name.
If your logo is filed in one trademark class, the government filing fee starts at $350.
However, your total cost may increase if:
- You file the logo in multiple classes.
- You hire a trademark attorney.
- The USPTO issues an Office Action.
- You file on an Intent-to-Use basis.
For example:
| Logo Filing Scenario | Estimated USPTO Fee |
| One logo, one class | $350 |
| One logo, two classes | $700 |
| One logo, three classes | $1,050 |
If your business uses both a word mark and a logo, remember that they are separate trademarks. Filing both means paying separate application fees.
Intent-to-Use Applications Can Cost More
Not every business starts using its trademark before filing.
If you plan to use your trademark in the future, you can file an Intent-to-Use (ITU) application.
The initial filing fee is the same, but you’ll pay additional fees later when you prove that you’re using the trademark in commerce.
These additional costs may include:
- Statement of Use filing fee
- Extension request fees if you need more time
This means an Intent-to-Use application usually costs more than a standard application.
If you’re unsure which filing basis is right for you, our guide on how to register a Trademark in the USA explains the differences and when each option makes sense.
Hidden Trademark Costs People Often Miss
Many articles only discuss the filing fee, but there are other expenses that may come up during the registration process.
Some of the most common hidden costs include:
Trademark Search
A thorough trademark search helps identify similar registered trademarks before you file. Skipping this step could lead to a rejected application and the loss of your filing fee.
Office Action Response
If the USPTO finds an issue with your application, it may send an Office Action.
Responding may require:
- Legal research
- Updated documents
- Revised trademark descriptions
- Attorney assistance
While the USPTO usually does not charge a fee for most Office Action responses, hiring an attorney to prepare the response can increase your overall cost.
Multiple Trademark Applications
Many businesses register:
- Business name
- Logo
- Product name
- Slogan
Each trademark requires its own application and filing fee.
International Trademark Protection
If you plan to protect your brand outside the United States, you’ll need to file in other countries or use the Madrid Protocol. International filing fees are separate from USPTO fees.
DIY Filing vs. Hiring a Professional
Many business owners wonder whether they should file the application themselves or hire a professional.
Here’s a simple comparison.
| DIY Filing | Professional Filing |
| Lower upfront cost | Higher upfront cost |
| You prepare everything yourself | Application prepared by professionals |
| Greater risk of mistakes | Lower risk of filing errors |
| No legal guidance | Professional support throughout the process |
| Best for simple cases | Better for complex trademarks |
Filing yourself may save money in the beginning, but mistakes can become expensive if your application is rejected or delayed.
What Can Increase Your Trademark Registration Costs?
Several factors can raise your total cost beyond the basic filing fee.
These include:
- Filing under multiple trademark classes
- Registering more than one trademark
- Using an Intent-to-Use application
- Hiring a trademark attorney
- Responding to an Office Action
- Filing international trademark applications
- Correcting filing mistakes after submission
Planning your application carefully can help you avoid many of these extra expenses.
Is Paying More Always Better?
Not necessarily.
A higher price does not always mean better service. The most important thing is filing your trademark correctly the first time.
Before choosing a filing service or attorney, consider:
- Their experience with USPTO applications
- What’s included in the service
- Whether they perform a comprehensive trademark search
- Whether they provide help if the USPTO raises an issue
- Clear pricing with no hidden fees
Spending a little more on quality guidance may save money later by reducing the risk of costly mistakes or rejected applications.
Trademark Renewal and Maintenance Costs
Registering a trademark is not a one-time expense. To keep your trademark active, you must file maintenance documents with the USPTO at specific times.
If you miss these deadlines, your registration can be canceled.
Here’s a quick overview of the required filings.
| Filing | When to File | USPTO Fee (Per Class) |
| Section 8 Declaration | Between the 5th and 6th year | $325 |
| Section 9 Renewal | Every 10 years | $325 |
These fees are paid per trademark class. If your registration covers multiple classes, you’ll pay the fee for each class. Filing on time helps you keep your trademark rights without interruption.
How to Avoid Paying Extra Trademark Fees
Many additional costs can be avoided with proper planning.
Here are a few simple ways to keep your expenses under control.
Choose the Correct Trademark Class
Filing in the wrong class can lead to delays or even a rejected application. Take time to identify the classes that match your goods or services.
Use an Accurate Description
The USPTO provides an Identification Manual with approved descriptions. Using clear and accurate wording can help prevent additional review or fees.
Perform a Trademark Search First
A trademark search helps you find similar registered trademarks before you apply. This lowers the chance of filing an application that may be refused.
If you’re unsure about the process, learning the basics of Trademark vs copyright vs Patent can also help you understand which type of intellectual property protection your business actually needs.
Double-Check Your Application
Review your application carefully before submitting it. Small mistakes can lead to delays and extra work.
Respond to USPTO Notices Quickly
If the USPTO contacts you with a request or Office Action, respond before the deadline. Missing deadlines can result in additional costs or the loss of your application.
Is Trademark Registration Worth the Cost?
For most businesses, the answer is yes.
A registered trademark gives you important legal rights and helps protect your brand from unauthorized use.
Some of the benefits include:
- Exclusive rights to use your trademark for your goods or services
- Stronger legal protection against infringement
- The ability to bring legal action in federal court
- Increased business value
- Greater trust among customers
- A stronger foundation for business growth
While there is an upfront cost, trademark registration can help prevent much larger legal and branding problems in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to trademark a business name?
The USPTO filing fee starts at $350 per class. Your total cost may be higher if you hire a trademark attorney or file under multiple classes.
How much does it cost to trademark a logo?
The answer to How much does it cost to trademark a logo depends on the number of classes you file under. The government filing fee begins at $350 per class, with additional costs if professional services or extra filings are needed.
Is the USPTO filing fee refundable?
No. Once your application has been submitted, the USPTO filing fee is generally non-refundable, even if your application is refused.
Can I file a trademark myself?
Yes. The USPTO allows individuals and businesses to file their own applications. However, many applicants choose professional assistance to reduce the risk of mistakes.
Does every trademark require renewal?
Yes. Federal trademark registrations must be maintained by filing the required documents and paying the applicable fees on time.
Do I pay once for a trademark?
No. You’ll pay the initial filing fee when you apply, and later you’ll pay maintenance and renewal fees to keep your registration active.
Conclusion
Understanding Trademark registration costs before filing helps you make informed decisions and avoid unexpected expenses. While the USPTO filing fee starts at $350 per class, your total cost can vary based on the number of classes, your filing basis, and whether you use professional assistance.
Taking the time to prepare your application correctly can save both time and money. A proper trademark search, accurate filing, and timely maintenance all play an important role in protecting your brand.
If you’re ready to secure your trademark, Trademark Ignition provides experienced guidance throughout the registration process. From trademark searches to application filing and ongoing support, our team helps businesses protect their brands with confidence while avoiding common filing mistakes.