Everything You Need to Know About Trademark Registration Costs
A trademark is one of the most valuable assets your business can own. It protects your brand name, logo, and slogan from being used by competitors, helping you maintain your identity in the marketplace. But before you begin the registration process, one question often comes to mind: How much does trademark registration cost?
Trademark registration costs can vary widely depending on the type of application, the number of classes you register in, and whether you hire a professional to assist you. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about trademark registration costs, so you can budget wisely and protect your brand effectively. Trademark registration
1. Why Understanding Trademark Costs Is Important
Registering a trademark is an investment in your brand’s future. By understanding the costs upfront, you can:
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Avoid unexpected expenses.
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Compare the value of DIY filing versus professional assistance.
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Determine how many trademarks or classes you can afford to register.
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Plan for ongoing renewal and maintenance fees.
Failing to account for all costs can lead to incomplete filings or lapses in protection.
2. Types of Trademark Registration Costs
Trademark registration costs can be broken down into three main categories:
a) Government Filing Fees
This is the base cost charged by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for processing your trademark application.
As of 2025:
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TEAS Plus application – $250 per class of goods or services.
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TEAS Standard application – $350 per class of goods or services.
The difference lies in the level of detail required. TEAS Plus requires more upfront information but costs less, while TEAS Standard offers more flexibility in your application for a higher fee.
b) Professional Service Fees
If you hire a trademark attorney or a trademark filing service, expect to pay additional fees for their expertise. These can range from:
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$300 to $1,500 for standard filings.
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More if your application involves complex legal issues or multiple classes.
Hiring a professional can help you avoid costly mistakes, such as rejection due to incorrect classifications.
c) Additional USPTO Fees
Other fees you may encounter include:
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Extension of time to file a Statement of Use – $125 per class.
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Statement of Use filing – $100 per class.
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Amendments, corrections, or petitions – Varies by request.
3. Cost Per Class of Goods or Services
The USPTO charges per class, meaning each category of goods or services you register in will require a separate fee.
For example:
If you’re registering a clothing brand (Class 25) and also selling cosmetics (Class 3), you’ll pay the filing fee for each class.
Budget accordingly if your business spans multiple product or service categories.
4. Trademark Search Costs
While not mandatory, conducting a trademark search before filing can save you thousands in wasted fees if your application gets rejected due to conflicts.
Options include:
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Free search – Using the USPTO’s TESS database.
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Paid search – From $100 to $500, often performed by attorneys or specialized firms for more thorough results.
5. International Trademark Costs
If you plan to protect your brand outside the U.S., you’ll need to budget for international trademark registration.
Options:
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Madrid Protocol – Allows you to register in multiple member countries with a single application.
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Costs vary by country but can easily range from $1,000 to $3,000+ depending on the number of regions.
6. Trademark Maintenance and Renewal Costs
A trademark isn’t a one-time cost—you must maintain and renew it to keep protection active.
Key renewal periods and costs:
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Between 5th and 6th year – File a Section 8 Declaration ($225 per class).
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Between 9th and 10th year – File a combined Section 8 and Section 9 renewal ($525 per class).
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Renew every 10 years thereafter.
Failing to file these renewals will result in cancellation of your trademark.
7. Cost-Saving Tips for Trademark Registration
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Choose the right filing option – TEAS Plus saves $100 per class if you can meet its stricter requirements.
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Do a thorough search before filing to avoid rejections.
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File for only the classes you truly need to cut down on fees.
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DIY with caution – Only if you’re confident in navigating USPTO requirements.
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Bundle services with a professional to get package deals.
8. DIY vs. Professional Trademark Filing Costs
| Option | Cost Range | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Filing | $250–$350 per class | Cheapest option | Risk of mistakes, rejections, delays |
| Online Filing Service | $500–$1,000+ | Guided process, lower cost than attorney | Limited legal advice |
| Trademark Attorney | $1,000–$2,500+ | Expert advice, higher approval rates | More expensive |
Pro Tip: If your trademark is critical to your business, the higher attorney fee may be worth it for added protection.
9. Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
While the USPTO fees are clear, some costs catch applicants off guard:
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Re-filing after a rejection – You’ll need to pay again.
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Amendments or corrections – Some changes come with extra fees.
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Monitoring services – $100–$300 per year to track potential infringements.
10. Budgeting for Trademark Registration
Here’s a sample budget for registering a trademark in one class with professional help:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Trademark search | $200 |
| USPTO TEAS Plus fee | $250 |
| Attorney service | $800 |
| Total upfront cost | $1,250 |
Adding a second class would increase the USPTO fee by $250, plus any additional attorney charges.
Conclusion
Trademark registration costs vary based on the application type, number of classes, professional help, and ongoing maintenance. While you can register a trademark for as little as $250 per class with a DIY approach, most business owners spend $1,000 or more to ensure the process is done correctly and their brand is fully protected.
Think of trademark registration not as an expense, but as an investment in your brand’s future. A strong trademark can increase your business’s value, prevent legal disputes, and give you exclusive rights to your name and logo for decades.
By understanding every aspect of trademark registration costs, you can plan your budget wisely and protect your brand without financial surprises.
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