How Much Does It Cost To Trademark A Name Or Logo?

Trademark Cost

The average cost to trademark a name or logo is around $275 when filing yourself, or between $500 and $2,000 when filing through a service or trademark attorney. The cost of a trademark is based on the number of classes your goods or services fall under, as well as the methods used when filing.

The cost to trademark a name at the federal level ranges from $225 to $400 plus legal fees or $50 to $150 for a state trademark. The average cost to trademark a logo is $225 to $600 plus any legal fees.

Table of Contents

1. Trademark Cost
2. What Is a Trademark?
3. Cost To Trademark a Name
4. Trademark Renewal Fees
5. Cost To Register A Trademark?
   • USPTO Trademark Fees
   • Trademark Attorney Cost
   • LegalZoom Trademark Cost
6. Trademark Logo Cost
   • Cost To Copyright A Logo
7. Trademark Vs. Copyright
Trademark Attorneys Near Me

What Is a Trademark?

Trademarks consist of any text, design, phrase, or symbol that explicitly identifies your business, which can be protected under trademark laws. While you do not technically need to register an active trademark, you may only be protected within your local area.

To ensure that your business is protected on a state-wide and nation-wide scale, state or federal registration is required. However, to register at the federal level, you must conduct business with other states or internationally. Taking this step not only ensures that your rights are protected but also that you're not infringing on the rights of others.

How Much Does It Cost to Trademark a Name?

The average cost to trademark a name is $424 with most homeowners spending between $275 to $660 total which includes registration and filing fees. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will charge anywhere between $225 to $400 to register a trademark for a name depending on the method you choose and the class of your business. When hiring an attorney or legal service, expect to pay an additional $199 to $2,000 to have them complete the trademark name registration for you.

Depending on the method used and the class associated with your trademark, the final cost to file will significantly range. It's important to define a "single" trademark, as the USPTO classifies a business name and associated logo as two separate trademarks. One of the most significant variables is whether or not you file yourself. In this case, you can either opt for electronic filing or paper filing.

If you would like to trademark both of these aspects of your business, the final cost of these associated trademarks will increase. In regards to a class, this variable refers to the 45 international goods and service areas that are managed by the WIPO or World Intellectual Property Organization.

For example, class 1 involves chemicals used mainly in industry, science, and agriculture -- whereas class 2 includes paints, varnishes, colorants, and other products used to protect against the effects of corrosion. If your business falls under more than one category, you will need to pay a separate filing fee for each class.

Trademark Renewal Fees

Every ten years, you must renew your trademark registration. If you do not do so, your U.S. Trademark registration will be canceled. While many variables are involved, mainly if you hire a lawyer, the average cost to renew is around $300 when filing electronically and approximately $400 for a paper application.

How Much Does It Cost to Register A Trademark?

To register a trademark, the cost of U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) fees are between $225 and $600, while attorney fees add $500 to $2,000 more. Whether you would like to trademark words, a slogan, or a specific design, the process is relatively similar. The first step is deciding whether or not you'd like to seek state trademark registration or federal trademark registration.

Once you determine which level of protection you desire, you can then apply for a trademark with the USPTO. If possible, it's recommended that you seek legal assistance. After all, your brand is an incredibly valuable asset.

The first option is to submit your application through the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS). There are many options within this system, some requiring fewer requirements than others. This option costs $225 to $400 per class, whereas a paper application costs $600 per class.

USPTO Trademark Fees

USPTO trademark fees are calculated on a "per class" basis. This means that if your goods or services fall under more than one class, this will drive up the final cost of obtaining a trademark.

While filing for a trademark, USPTO fees are based on three options:

• Option 1 -- $225 for TEAS Plus filing per class of good or services. This option has the strictest requirements.
• Option 2 -- $275 for TEAS Reduced, which involves fewer requirements.
• Option 3 -- $400 for TEAS Regular, which does not have any additional requirements in comparison to the options above.

Trademark Attorney Cost

If you choose to hire an attorney to help you with the trademark registration process, expect to pay between $500 to $2,000 in addition to the USPTO fees. The associated legal fees will vary depending on the scope of work involved. While rates tend to be anywhere between $100 to $300 per hour, some lawyers will handle this process for a flat fee.

While the DIY method is certainly cheaper, it is more complicated. Many people opt to hire a lawyer to ensure that everything gets completed in a manner that does not require rework later on. For example, in most cases, if an application is incomplete or incorrect, it will cost you $125 to resubmit.

One study found that when a business prepared a trademark, it was 50 percent less likely to be approved in comparison to a trademark lawyer. In this case, their experience is often well worth the initial investment. Attorneys succeed based on their experience in regards to the format of drawings and the associated claims presented within the application itself.

Overall, a trademark lawyer is essential because:

• An experienced trademark lawyer understands the trademarking process and knows exactly what it takes to be approved.
• Lawyers will significantly reduce your risk of rejection due to an incomplete or improperly filed application. Attorneys can also suggest potential changes to make your trademark stronger.
• If you have no experience, they can assist you in completing a thorough trademark search to protect you and your brand long-term.

LegalZoom Trademark Cost

The cost to register a trademark through LegalZoom is $199 + Federal Filing Fee for the basic package, while the all-inclusive package costs $219 + Federal Filing Fee which includes an electronic copy of your trademark application. With a USPTO filing fee of $225 to $400, your total cost of filing a trademark through LegalZoom will be $424 to $619 which is similar to hiring an attorney.

LegalZoom is known as an online legal support company that helps small businesses achieve their goals in regards to startup processes, and then running the business itself.

The services offered are in addition to the USPTO fees and include:

• A basic trademark search, saving you time to focus on other aspects of your business.
• Assistance with the USPTO application itself, reducing the associated error rate.
• Support you in creating the digital drawing you need to submit.
• Provide related legal forms and additional documentation.

Trademark Logo Cost

The cost to trademark a logo with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) ranges from $225 to $600 plus legal fees depending on the filing class. When you aim to distinguish your business from your competitors, your logo is one of the most important elements. It represents you as a unique brand -- which is indeed worth protecting.

To trademark a logo, once again, you will need to register your mark with the USPTO. There are two ways to do so, depending on whether or not you register a standard character mark or a special form mark.

• A standard character mark -- This protects a specific arrangement of number or letters, for example, Coca-Cola. In this case, your mark will be protected no matter how the text is displayed. If your logo only consists of your business name or slogan, a standard character mark is ideal. That way, you have greater flexibility in regards to how you display your logo (i.e., The colors you use, the style, or font).
• A special form mark -- In comparison, this option is required when your logo consists of a specific font, design, or a combination of the two. To complete this process, you will need to submit an image of your mark. It's important to make sure that you submit your logo exactly as you wish to protect it, as your registration will only protect the exact sample you send. If your logo is currently an illustration or includes a specific font/color scheme, this is the route you'll want to take.

If your intended trademark is similar to another trademark or is too generic, the USPTO will not accept your application. That is why the easiest logos to trademark are those that are distinctive and unique. For example, an original piece of artwork will likely be accepted, whereas a generic set of initials may not.

If you would like to register a special form mark which includes specific design elements, you'll need to upload a quality .jpg file alongside your application. Your logo can consist of either a black and white or color image.

How Much Does It Cost To Copyright A Logo?

It is cheaper to file a copyright registration in comparison to a trademark, with the average application costing around $55. However, depending on the method and application, the rate ranges from $35 to $85.

In other cases, copyright costs are significantly higher. For example, a vessel design can cost up to $400, not including any associated legal fees. You can learn more about the associated costs here.

Since the process can be a bit confusing, many seek legal support. Once again, this rate will vary, typically costing around $175.

In contrast, you cannot copyright a name or title because copyrights are designed to protect creative work -- not how that work is identified.

Trademark Vs. Copyright

While a trademark and copyright are similar in that they both protect critical aspects of a business or original piece of work, they differ in regards to the type of asset involved.

• A trademark protects an item that defines a company or brand, such as a phrase, design, or symbol. Some examples include a company logo, slogan, or brand name.
• Copyright typically involves an creative or literary piece of work, such as poetry, songs, musicals, computer software, architecture, or other artistic works. You cannot copyright methods, concepts, procedures, facts, or ideas.

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