Registering a trademark in the United States is one of the smartest investments a business can make to protect its brand identity. Whether you run a small business, a startup, or a large corporation, a registered trademark gives you exclusive rights to use your brand name, logo, or slogan nationwide. But one of the most common questions business owners ask is: "How much does it cost to register a trademark in the USA?"
In this guide, we’ll break down every aspect of trademark registration costs in the USA, including application fees, legal expenses, additional costs, and ways to save money — so you can budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses. Trademark registration in usa
Why Trademark Registration Matters
Before discussing costs, it’s important to understand why registering a trademark is worth the investment:
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Legal Protection – A registered trademark gives you exclusive rights to use your brand name or logo in connection with your goods and services.
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Nationwide Coverage – Protection extends across the entire United States, not just your local area.
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Brand Value – A registered trademark can increase your business’s value and be sold, licensed, or franchised.
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Stronger Enforcement – You can take legal action against infringers and stop copyright products.
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Online Brand Security – Many platforms like Amazon and Etsy require a registered trademark for brand protection programs.
With these benefits in mind, the cost of registration is a small price to pay compared to the potential loss of your brand identity.
Types of Trademark Application Fees in the USA
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) charges fees depending on the type of application you choose. There are two main filing options:
1. TEAS Plus Application
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Fee: $250 per class of goods/services
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Requirements:
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Pre-approved goods and services from USPTO’s ID Manual
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Electronic communication with the USPTO
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Accurate and complete application at the time of filing
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Best for: Applicants who know exactly how to describe their goods/services and want the lowest filing fee.
2. TEAS Standard Application
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Fee: $350 per class of goods/services
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Requirements:
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More flexibility in describing goods/services
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Does not require selecting from USPTO’s pre-approved list
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Best for: Applicants with unique products or services not listed in USPTO’s ID Manual.
Understanding "Per Class" Fees
The cost is charged per class of goods or services. The USPTO uses the Nice Classification System with 45 classes:
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Classes 1–34: Goods (e.g., Class 25 – Clothing, Class 3 – Cosmetics)
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Classes 35–45: Services (e.g., Class 41 – Education, Class 43 – Hospitality)
If your brand covers multiple categories, you’ll pay for each class separately.
Example: Registering a trademark for clothing (Class 25) and cosmetics (Class 3) using TEAS Plus would cost:
$250 × 2 classes = $500 total.
Additional Costs in Trademark Registration
Beyond the USPTO filing fees, there may be other expenses involved:
1. Trademark Search
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Cost: $0–$500
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While you can search the USPTO database for free, hiring a professional trademark search service can help ensure your brand name or logo doesn’t conflict with existing trademarks.
2. Attorney Fees
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Cost: $500–$2,500
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While you can file your application yourself, a trademark attorney can help ensure accuracy, respond to Office Actions, and prevent costly mistakes.
3. Office Action Responses
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Cost: $0–$1,000+
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If the USPTO examiner raises issues with your application, you may need legal assistance to respond.
4. Statement of Use (for Intent-to-Use Applications)
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Cost: $100 per class
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If you file an Intent-to-Use application, you’ll need to submit proof of trademark use before registration.
5. Maintenance and Renewal Fees
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First Renewal (between years 5–6): $225 per class
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Second Renewal (between years 9–10 and every 10 years after): $525 per class
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Missing renewal deadlines can result in losing your trademark rights.
Total Cost Estimate for Trademark Registration in USA
Here’s an example of a typical trademark registration budget in the USA (one class):
| Expense Type | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| USPTO Filing Fee | $250 | $350 |
| Trademark Search | $0 | $500 |
| Attorney Fee | $0 | $2,500 |
| Statement of Use (if applicable) | $0 | $100 |
| First Renewal (after 5 years) | $225 | $225 |
| Total (Initial Filing) | $250 | $3,450 |
Ways to Save Money on Trademark Registration
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Use TEAS Plus – If your goods/services fit USPTO’s pre-approved list, you’ll save $100 per class.
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Do a Thorough Search Yourself – Avoid conflicts by researching on the USPTO’s TESS database before filing.
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File for Only the Necessary Classes – Don’t register in classes you don’t need.
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Avoid Office Actions – Make sure your application is complete and accurate the first time.
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Consider DIY Filing – If your case is straightforward, you may not need an attorney, though legal help is still recommended for complex applications.
Why Some Applications Cost More
Trademark costs vary depending on:
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Number of classes you register
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Whether you hire a lawyer
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If you file under TEAS Plus or TEAS Standard
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If your application faces opposition or rejections
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Whether you’re filing domestically or internationally
For global protection, you may also use the Madrid Protocol, where costs vary by country.
Is the Cost Worth It?
While it’s possible to run a business without a registered trademark, doing so leaves you vulnerable to brand theft and legal disputes. The relatively modest cost of registration is an investment in:
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Business security
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Customer trust
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Long-term brand value
In many cases, losing a brand name due to trademark conflicts can cost far more than registration fees.
Conclusion
Understanding the cost of trademark registration in the USA helps you plan and budget effectively for protecting your brand. With fees starting as low as $250 per class and optional services like professional searches or legal assistance, you can choose an approach that fits your budget and risk tolerance.
In 2025 and beyond, protecting your brand through trademark registration is not just a legal formality — it’s a strategic business decision. By investing in registration now, you ensure that your brand identity remains exclusively yours for years to come.