How Much Does It Cost to Trademark a Business Name? Current Fees for 2025

Key Takeaways

1. Trademarking protects your brand and gives exclusive legal rights at state or federal levels.
2. Costs vary, typically ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on filing type, classes, legal help, and renewals.
3. Federal registration offers wider protection but is more expensive than state-level.
4. You can reduce costs by doing initial searches yourself, choosing the right application type, and using legal help only when needed.
5. It's a smart long-term investment to secure your brand in a competitive market.

As a small business owner, it’s common to prioritize physical assets like equipment and buildings. However, it’s crucial not to overlook the importance of intellectual property – including your business name, logo, and slogan – all eligible for trademark protection. Registering a trademark safeguards your assets worldwide, but the process can be complex and pricey. Understanding the cost involved is important. This guide breaks down the stages and associated costs, offering insights into the total expense of trademarking your business name in the USA and providing tips on cost-saving measures.

Trademark Registration Process

Trademarks play a pivotal role in branding and marketing strategies, enhancing brand recognition and consumer trust. They also serve as valuable assets that appreciate in value over time. A trademark, whether a band name, logo, phrase, or symbol, distinguishes your company’s goods or services from others in commerce. Notable examples, such as McDonald’s® and its slogan, “I’m lovin’ it,” demonstrate how trademarks can uniquely represent a company’s ethos and establish strong brand recognition.

The trademark registration process begins with a thorough search to ensure no conflicts with your business name. After confirmation, you proceed to file a trademark registration application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), specifying the mark and class of goods or services.

Upon approval, your business name is granted federal trademark protection, allowing you to affix the prestigious ® symbol. This shields your name from national infringement and provides an advantage in federal court enforcement actions. The trademark remains valid for 10 years, requiring renewal thereafter.

Trademarks can be registered at a state or federal level. State-level trademark registration provides limited protection within a state’s jurisdiction, with lower fees and simpler processes. Federal registration, filed with the USPTO, grants nationwide legal protection and exclusive rights to use the trademark. However, it’s more costly and requires government fees and legal assistance.

Overall, understanding the nuances of trademark registration and strategically leveraging intellectual property assets can significantly contribute to the long-term success and sustainability of your business.

How Much Does It Cost to Trademark a Name?

You may ask, How much does it cost to trademark my business name? Understanding the trademark registration cost in the US is pivotal in safeguarding your brand and intellectual property. The process involves various expenses that warrant careful consideration. Below, you’ll find detailed information on the costs involved, along with tips to help you register your company name smoothly.

Number of Goods and Services Classes

The cost of trademarking a business name depends on the number of goods and services classes. These classes categorize different products and services, with each class incurring a separate fee. You must carefully evaluate the scope of your business offerings to determine the number of classes needed. While multiple classes provide broader protection, they also increase expenses.

Striking a balance between comprehensive coverage and cost-effectiveness is crucial. Staying informed about changes in classification or new classes can affect the registration process and associated fees. Conducting a thorough analysis of relevant classes helps make informed decisions that align with the budget and ensure robust brand protection.

Filing Applications

The filing fee for a trademark application is crucial, as it covers the cost of processing and reviewing the application by the USPTO. It’s important to know that these fees may vary, so businesses should refer to the official USPTO fee schedule for the most up-to-date information, especially as of 2025.

According to information provided on the USPTO website, the fees for trademark registration depend on the number of trademarks being applied for and the number of classes of goods and services you plan to register under.

TEAS Plus & TEAS Standard

The USPTO administers trademark applications through the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS). There are 2 primary types of applications available for obtaining a federal trademark: TEAS Plus and TEAS Standard. TEAS Plus, the more cost-effective option, requires strict adherence to specific criteria during filing, including selecting goods and services from a pre-approved list. While its initial filing fee is lower, any deviation may incur additional costs.

On the other hand, TEAS Standard provides flexibility in customizing descriptions, catering to businesses with unique offerings. Despite a higher initial fee, it can be cost-effective for specific businesses, though it may entail a longer processing time. The typical average cost for applying ranges from roughly $250 per class of goods/services for TEAS Plus to $350 per class of goods/services for TEAS Standard.

Attorney Fees

Attorney fees are a crucial part of trademark registration, requiring legal expertise and support. Attorneys assess the viability of a proposed trademark, conduct thorough searches, and offer strategic advice to resolve potential conflicts. Fees vary on factors like experience and case complexity, generally ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 for the entire process.

While not mandatory, legal guidance ensures accurate descriptions of goods or services and compliance with trademark law, potentially saving time and mitigating risks. Engaging in transparent discussions with an attorney can help understand fee structures and additional costs, ultimately increasing the chances of securing a robust trademark.

Drawing a Trademark

Creating a unique and memorable trademark involves visually representing elements like words, logos, or symbols. It’s essential to steer clear of generic or overly descriptive designs, following strict USPTO guidelines on distinctiveness. Conducting a thorough search for existing trademarks is crucial to prevent conflicts during the application process. The drawing’s format, size, color, and clarity must meet USPTO requirements for a smooth application.

In some cases, businesses may choose to seek professional assistance from graphic designers or trademark attorneys during the drawing phase, though this incurs additional costs. However, it can be a strategic investment to ensure the creation of a visually appealing and legally sound trademark. The drawing phase is a crucial step in establishing a brand’s visual identity and securing legal protection for the business name.

The cost of a trademark design is influenced by factors such as complexity, designer fees, and any additional services required. However, the average expense typically falls between $500 and several thousand dollars.

Applying to Renewal

Renewing a trademark is a critical step in maintaining legal recognition and brand exclusivity. Between years 5 and 6, you must confirm your trademark’s use with the USPTO. If there are issues, you’ll need a valid reason to maintain it. Submitting a Section 8 declaration and paying $225 per class is mandatory. Every 10 years, starting from year 9, you must file a combined Section 8 declaration and Section 9 renewal application for $525 per class. A 6-month grace period is provided after the due date, but late filers must pay an extra fee of $100 per class or $200 for the combined filing.

Other Expected Costs

When considering trademark registration, be aware of potential miscellaneous expenses that may arise throughout the process. Responding to office actions from the USPTO, conducting thorough trademark searches, and subscribing to monitoring services for infringement detection can all incur extra costs. Additionally, businesses with global operations or expansion plans should allocate funds for international trademark protection, as each country has its filing fees. Enforcement costs, including legal actions against infringers, maintenance and renewal fees, and professional assistance for renewals, contribute to the overall expenditure. Furthermore, amendments to the trademark registration may also involve additional fees, highlighting the importance of budgeting for unforeseen expenses throughout the trademark registration journey.

How Can You Reduce the Cost of Trademark a Business Name?

Reducing the cost of trademarking your business name involves strategic planning and well-informed decisions. Firstly, consider conducting your preliminary search independently to save on professional search services. Understanding the nuances between TEAS Plus and TEAS Standard filing options is crucial. The former offers a lower fee but requires strict adherence to specific requirements, while the latter provides more flexibility at a slightly higher cost. Carefully selecting goods and services classes, utilizing free or low-cost resources, and filing and renewing promptly are additional factors that can contribute to cost savings.

Secondly, strategic attorney involvement is essential. While legal advice is crucial, businesses can strategically engage attorneys for specific aspects of the process, thereby minimizing costs. Proactive monitoring and enforcement of your trademark can also prevent costly legal battles in the long run. By adopting these strategies, businesses can effectively manage the expenses associated with trademark registration.

Does It Cost to Trademark a Name?

In summary, trademarking your business name is essential for safeguarding your brand identity, whether you’re operating locally or expanding internationally. This guide has explored the intricacies of the process, covering everything from choosing appropriate goods and services classes to understanding the various costs involved, including filing fees and attorney charges. By grasping these nuances and exploring cost-cutting strategies, you can protect your brand without straining your budget.

In the dynamic world of 2025, investing in trademark registration is synonymous with securing the long-term success and recognition of your business. So, navigate the process with confidence and ensure your business stands out in the competitive market.