Trademark Registration Costs in the United States: A Comprehensive Guide

The cost of trademarking your business name can vary based on several factors, but understanding the basics is crucial for any entrepreneur or business owner. In this guide, we will explore the different costs involved in registering a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the ongoing fees required to maintain your registration.

Initial Registration Costs

The basic fee for filing a trademark registration application with the USPTO can range from $225 to $600 per trademark class. This includes the submission of your application through the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS), which is the simplest and least expensive method.

TEAS Application Options

There are two application form options available:

TEAS Plus: $250 per class of goods or services TEAS Standard: $350 per class of goods or services

Choosing between these two options depends on the specific requirements of your application and the number of classes of goods or services you are registering.

Example Calculation

For a TEAS Standard initial application, you will pay $350 per class of goods or services. If you have two classes of goods, you would need to pay $700 ($350 $350). If multiple goods belong in the same class, you still only need to pay $350 for that class.

Maintenance Fees

Once your trademark is registered, it is crucial to maintain it to keep it valid. This involves submitting documents at regular intervals and paying periodic maintenance fees. Key highlights include:

Declaration of Use/Excusable Nonuse: You must submit this document every ten years. The fee for this is $525 per class of goods or services. Renewal Application: A renewal application is required to continue the registration. The fee for a renewal application is also $525 per class of goods or services.

For instance, if you have two classes of goods, you will need to pay $1,050 ($525 $525) to maintain your registration.

Additional Information

If you need further information on fees, you can visit the Trademark Fee Information and Fee Schedule page on the USPTO website. However, please note that specific legal advice is best obtained from a registered trademark attorney.

Legal Assistance

Nominus is a licensed Trademark agent in the USA that supports businesses and entrepreneurs in making complex decisions and registering their brand trademark. They work with both foreign businesses and applicants within US territory. If you require further assistance, feel free to contact Nominus for their expert support.

Note: I cannot provide legal advice, but resources such as Nominus can guide you through the process and provide the necessary support.