Choosing the perfect business name is one of the foundational steps for any entrepreneur. But beyond creativity and branding, securing that name through a trademark offers powerful legal protection and exclusive rights.
Many business owners wonder, how much does it cost to trademark a business name? The answer isn’t as straightforward as a single number because several factors influence the overall expense.
From government filing fees to legal assistance and maintenance costs, understanding the financial commitment involved is essential before embarking on the trademark journey.
Trademarking your business name safeguards your brand identity, helping to prevent competitors from using a similar name that could confuse customers. It also adds value to your company and builds credibility with clients and partners.
However, the trademark process involves multiple steps, each with its own cost structure. By knowing these expenses upfront, you can budget effectively and avoid surprises down the road.
Whether you’re a startup founder or a seasoned business owner, this comprehensive breakdown explains the various costs related to trademarking a business name. From official fees to hiring a trademark attorney and ongoing renewal expenses, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision and protect your brand wisely.
Understanding Trademark Application Fees
Filing a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is the first financial hurdle. These fees are mandatory and vary depending on the type of application and number of classes filed under.
The USPTO charges different fees based on the application form used. The TEAS Plus form is the most affordable but requires you to meet stricter submission requirements.
On the other hand, the TEAS Standard form offers more flexibility but comes at a higher cost.
It’s important to note that each class of goods or services you want to protect requires a separate filing fee. This means if your business name applies to multiple industries, your fees will increase accordingly.
- TEAS Plus application fee: $250 per class
- TEAS Standard application fee: $350 per class
- Additional fees may apply for amendments or responses to USPTO office actions
“Filing fees are just the starting point; understanding the nuances of your application can save you costly mistakes.”
Fee Comparison Table
| Application Type | Cost Per Class | Benefits |
| TEAS Plus | $250 | Lower cost, stricter requirements |
| TEAS Standard | $350 | More flexibility, higher cost |
Legal Assistance and Trademark Attorney Fees
While it’s possible to file a trademark application on your own, many businesses choose to hire a trademark attorney to navigate the complexities. Legal experts ensure your application is accurate, reducing the risk of rejection or delays.
Trademark attorneys typically charge either a flat fee or hourly rate for their services. These fees vary widely based on their experience, location, and the complexity of your application.
The investment in professional help often pays off by avoiding common pitfalls and getting your trademark approved smoothly.
Additionally, attorneys can conduct a thorough trademark search to identify potential conflicts before application, saving you from costly disputes later.
- Initial trademark search: $300 – $1,000
- Trademark application preparation and filing: $500 – $2,000
- Responding to USPTO office actions or oppositions: $1,000+ (if needed)
“A well-prepared trademark application can prevent costly delays and complications, making legal fees a wise investment.”
Costs of Trademark Searches
A critical step before filing is conducting a comprehensive trademark search. This process identifies existing trademarks that might conflict with your business name, allowing you to make adjustments if necessary.
You can perform basic searches on the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) for free. However, professional searches are more thorough, including common law and state trademark databases, which are not covered by the USPTO.
Investing in a detailed search helps prevent application rejection and potential infringement lawsuits. Many trademark attorneys bundle search services with their application assistance.
- Basic USPTO search: Free
- Professional comprehensive search: $300 – $1,500
- International trademark search (if applicable): Additional $500+
“Skipping a proper trademark search is like sailing without a map — costly collisions are almost inevitable.”
Additional USPTO Fees and Possible Expenses
Besides the initial filing fee, other USPTO fees may arise during the trademark process. These include responses to office actions, extensions, and maintenance filings.
Being prepared for these ensures you won’t be caught off guard by unexpected costs.
Office actions occur when the USPTO examiner raises issues about your application. Responding correctly often requires legal guidance, increasing your expenses.
Extensions give you more time to file statements or renew your trademark but come with their own fees.
Maintaining a trademark requires periodic filings to keep it active, which also involves fees. Budgeting for these ongoing costs is essential to protect your investment long term.
- Response to office action fee: $100 – $300 (USPTO), plus legal fees
- Extension of time to file statement of use: $125 per six months
- Maintenance filings (e.g., Section 8 and 9): $225 – $525 per filing
Typical USPTO Fee Timeline
| Fee Type | When Paid | Cost Range |
| Application Filing Fee | At filing | $250 – $350 per class |
| Response to Office Action | If needed | $100 – $300 |
| Statement of Use Filing | After allowed application | $100 – $125 |
| Maintenance Fees | 5-6 years, 9-10 years, every 10 years | $225 – $525 |
Cost Variations by Trademark Type and Scope
The cost to trademark your business name can vary depending on the nature of your trademark and the geographic scope of protection you seek. For example, registering a logo alongside the name or seeking international protection adds complexity and cost.
Trademarking just a word mark is typically less expensive than a design mark. Additionally, if you plan to operate in multiple countries, you might consider filing through the Madrid Protocol or individual country applications, each with additional fees.
Understanding the scope of protection you need helps tailor your budget and strategy effectively, ensuring your trademark aligns with your business goals.
- Word mark registration: Standard USPTO fees
- Design mark registration: May require additional legal work
- International trademark registration: Varies widely, often $1,000+ per country
“Expanding your trademark protection globally can be costly but safeguards your brand in a competitive marketplace.”
DIY vs Professional Filing: Cost and Risk Considerations
Some business owners consider filing trademarks themselves to save money. While this may reduce upfront costs, it comes with risks.
Trademark law is complex, and mistakes can lead to refusals or weak protection.
Filing on your own means you’ll pay only the USPTO fees, but you’ll need to invest time learning the process and handling any objections. In contrast, hiring professionals can streamline the process and increase your chances of success, although it requires a higher initial investment.
Weighing the pros and cons of DIY versus professional filing depends on your budget, legal knowledge, and the importance of your trademark to your business strategy.
- DIY filing: USPTO fees only, risk of errors
- Hiring an attorney: Higher upfront cost, better protection
- Trademark service companies: Mid-range cost, variable quality
Cost Comparison Summary
| Filing Method | Estimated Cost Range | Risk Level |
| DIY Filing | $250 – $350 | High |
| Attorney Assisted | $1,000 – $3,500+ | Low |
| Trademark Service Company | $500 – $1,500 | Medium |
Long-Term Trademark Maintenance and Renewal Costs
Trademark registration isn’t a one-time expense. After successful registration, maintaining your trademark requires timely renewals and filings to keep it active.
Failure to meet these deadlines can result in cancellation, leaving your business name unprotected.
Maintenance fees increase your total investment but are necessary for ongoing protection. These include filing declarations of use and renewals at intervals set by the USPTO.
Many businesses also budget for attorney fees to assist with these filings.
Planning for long-term costs helps ensure your trademark remains a valuable asset for years to come.
- Declaration of Use (Section 8) at 5-6 years: $225 per class
- Renewal (Section 9) at 9-10 years: $525 per class
- Subsequent renewals every 10 years: $525 per class
“The true cost of trademarking includes upkeep—protecting your brand is an ongoing commitment.”
Additional Tips to Save Costs and Protect Your Brand
Trademarking can be an investment, but there are ways to manage costs without compromising protection. For example, conducting your own preliminary searches can reduce attorney fees.
Also, choosing the appropriate application type carefully can save hundreds of dollars.
Understanding your business’s unique needs helps avoid unnecessary filings in irrelevant classes. Moreover, staying organized with renewal deadlines prevents costly lapses.
Leveraging resources such as the USPTO website and trusted legal guides can empower you to make informed decisions.
If you want inspiration for naming your business or learning more about naming conventions, you might find What Convention Is Followed to Name a Gear Properly helpful. Also, exploring creative ideas from what are good snapchat names?
creative ideas to try today can spark unique naming concepts that stand out.
- Perform your own basic trademark searches before hiring professionals
- Choose the TEAS Plus form if you meet criteria to save filing fees
- Keep track of renewal deadlines to avoid losing trademark rights
- Consider the long-term implications of your trademark strategy
Conclusion
Trademarking your business name is a strategic move that offers essential protection and adds value to your brand. The cost to trademark a business name can vary greatly depending on factors such as filing fees, legal assistance, search costs, and ongoing maintenance.
While the initial USPTO fees can seem manageable, legal and renewal expenses contribute to the overall investment.
Many entrepreneurs find that hiring a trademark attorney streamlines the process and reduces risks, though it comes at a higher upfront cost. Conducting thorough searches and understanding the scope of protection you need helps tailor your trademark strategy effectively.
Planning for long-term maintenance ensures your brand remains protected well into the future.
Ultimately, the decision to trademark your business name is an investment in the longevity and exclusivity of your brand identity. By weighing costs against the benefits of legal protection, you can confidently move forward and secure your business’s future.
For additional insights on naming and identity, consider reading How to Name a Product That Stands Out and Sells to complement your branding efforts.
