One of the most common questions from business owners exploring brand protection is how much it actually costs to trademark a name. The answer depends on several variables — including how you file, how many classes of goods or services you need to cover, and whether complications arise during the process. This guide breaks down every cost component so you can budget accurately.
USPTO Filing Fees: The Core Cost
The United States Patent and Trademark Office charges per-class filing fees based on the application type you select.
TEAS Plus: The most affordable USPTO option, costing $250 per class of goods or services. This option requires stricter, pre-approved descriptions of goods and services from the USPTO’s Acceptable Identification of Goods and Services Manual.
TEAS Standard: Costs $350 per class and allows more flexibility in describing your goods and services, including custom descriptions not found in the manual.
Most small businesses file in one or two classes, meaning base USPTO fees typically run $250 to $700 per class depending on the application type selected.
What Are International Classes?
Trademark applications are organized by International Classes, which categorize goods and services into 45 distinct groups. Each class requires a separate filing fee. For example, a company selling clothing (Class 25) and operating a retail store (Class 35) would pay fees for both classes.
It is important to file in all classes that cover your actual and intended business activities. Missing a class leaves a gap in your protection that competitors could potentially exploit.
Professional Service Fees
Beyond USPTO fees, many business owners choose to work with a trademark attorney or a filing service. Knowing how much does it cost to trademark a name when professional assistance is involved depends on the complexity of the matter.
Trademark attorneys typically charge $500 to $2,000 or more in professional fees per application, depending on their experience and market. Online trademark filing services offer a more affordable alternative, often charging flat fees in the range of $100 to $400 per class above USPTO fees, while providing professional guidance through the process.
Additional Costs to Plan For
Trademark search fees: A comprehensive trademark search before filing reduces the risk of rejection or infringement disputes. Detailed search services cost $100 to $500 depending on depth.
Office action response fees: If the USPTO issues an office action requiring a response, additional professional fees apply — typically $300 to $800 or more depending on complexity.
Statement of Use fees: Applicants who filed on an intent-to-use basis must file a Statement of Use once the mark is actually in commerce, at an additional $150 per class.
Maintenance fees: Ongoing maintenance filings (at years 5–6 and 9–10 post-registration) cost $425 per class each cycle.
Is Trademarking Worth the Investment?
The cost of trademark registration is modest compared to the potential cost of rebranding after an infringement dispute, or losing the ability to stop competitors from copying your brand. A successfully registered trademark is a business asset that can last indefinitely with proper maintenance.
Conclusion
The full cost to trademark a name typically ranges from $250 to over $2,500 per class when professional services are included, depending on your filing choices and any complications that arise. Building this investment into your initial brand development budget is a sound business decision that protects one of your company’s most valuable assets.