How Much Does a Trademark Cost?

A trademark is a symbol, word, or phrase that distinguishes a brand or business from others in the marketplace. Trademarks are important for protecting your brand and preventing others from using your unique identifier for their own profit. But how much does it cost to obtain a trademark? In this article, we will explore the different costs associated with obtaining a trademark.

What is a trademark?

A trademark is a type of intellectual property that protects a brand’s unique identifier from use by others. It can be a symbol, word, or phrase that is used to identify a particular brand or business. Unlike copyrights, which protect original works of authorship, trademarks protect the identifying features of a brand or business.

Reasons for Getting a Trademark

There are several reasons why a business might want to obtain a trademark. One of the primary reasons is to prevent others from using their unique identifier for their own profit. A trademark can also help build brand recognition and protect a business’s reputation. Additionally, a trademark can be used to license or sell the brand to others for a profit.

Federal vs. State Trademarks

When it comes to trademarks, there are two main options to consider: federal trademarks and state trademarks. Federal trademarks are more expensive and take longer to get than state trademarks, but they provide nationwide protection. On the other hand, state trademarks only apply within the state’s borders. Each state will have its own rules, fees, and methods of getting a state trademark.

It’s important to note that if you’re planning to conduct business across state lines, a federal trademark may be the better option. But if you’re only doing business within one state, a state trademark may suffice.

Trademark Filing Options: TEAS Plus and TEAS Standard

When it comes to getting a federal trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), there are two main filing options: TEAS Plus and TEAS Standard. “TEAS” stands for Trademark Electronic Application System.

TEAS Plus is the cheaper option, costing $250 per class of goods and services, but it comes with stricter requirements. You must meet all of the requirements to use TEAS Plus, including using the USPTO’s pre-approved descriptions of goods and services and agreeing to communicate with the USPTO through email.

TEAS Standard, on the other hand, costs $350 per class of goods and services, but it has fewer requirements. You have more flexibility in describing your goods and services, and you can communicate with the USPTO through other methods besides email.

It’s important to choose the right filing option for your business. If you’re confident that you meet all of the requirements for TEAS Plus, it may be the more cost-effective option. However, if you want more flexibility and don’t mind paying a little extra, TEAS Standard may be the better choice.

Classes of Goods and Services

When you apply for a trademark, you must specify the classes of goods and services that your trademark will cover. The USPTO has 45 different classes of goods and services, and each class has a different fee. For example, if you want to trademark a name for use in the clothing industry, you would need to apply for Class 25, which currently has a fee of $350 per class for TEAS Standard and $250 per class for TEAS Plus.

It’s important to carefully consider the classes of goods and services that your trademark will cover, as this will affect the total cost of your trademark application. You should also make sure that your trademark covers all of the goods and services that your business offers.

How much does it cost to trademark a name and logo?

The cost to trademark a name and logo can vary depending on various factors such as the type of trademark, the number of classes of goods and services, and whether you use an attorney or a filing service. The filing fee for a federal trademark application ranges from $225 to $400 per class of goods and services, depending on the filing option you choose.

Additionally, if you use an attorney or filing service to prepare and file your application, you can expect to pay additional fees. Overall, the cost to trademark a name and logo can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Costs of Renewing Trademarks

Once you’ve successfully registered your trademark, you’ll need to renew it periodically to keep it in force. The renewal fees are due every 10 years, and the current fees are $400 per class of goods and services for TEAS Standard and $350 per class for TEAS Plus. It’s important to keep track of your renewal deadlines and budget for the renewal fees.

Cost of Trademark Attorneys

While it’s possible to file a trademark application on your own, many businesses choose to work with a trademark attorney to ensure that their application is filed correctly and to handle any legal issues that may arise. The cost of hiring a trademark attorney can vary depending on the attorney’s experience and location, but it’s typically a few thousand dollars.

We can help!

While we can’t help you with trademarks, if you’re starting a new business and need help with other aspects of forming your business, ZenBusiness can help. Our platform makes it easy to file your formation documents and access a variety of other services to help your business succeed. With ZenBusiness, you can focus on growing your business while we take care of the paperwork.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.