How Much Does a Trademark Cost? A Guide to USPTO Fees

Creating your brand identity is hard work, and the last thing you want is for another company to use what you build. A trademark gives you legal options if someone else uses your brand name, logo, and slogans. You’re probably wondering if you can afford trademark costs. The real question is, can you afford not to trademark your intellectual property? We’re here to help you decide.

There’s no simple answer to how much a trademark costs. You’ll pay a base application fee. The total cost to trademark a name can increase based on how many trademark classes you want to enter and whether you get professional advice. A trademark class is a category that groups related goods or services, determining the scope of protection for a registered trademark. You may have to pay extra fees during the application process, along with ongoing renewal fees to keep your trademark protection active.

No need to stress, though. We’ll dive into the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) updated fee schedule for 2026.¹ And, with a LegalShield® provider lawyer’s guidance, you can file for your trademark with confidence.

The mandatory government filing fees

Early in 2025, the USPTO increased trademark fees and changed the filing structure. The new Trademark Center replaced the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS).² Those changes are still in effect for 2026. The fees you pay aren’t refundable — you pay them for the USPTO to review your trademark application. 

You have two main trademark filing options. If you choose the $350 option, you have to follow strict rules. You’ll need to use pre-approved descriptions, found in the USPTO’s ID Manual³, for your names. You can select a more flexible application method, but it will cost you $550.

Let’s look at common trademark application costs⁴ and fees you may need to pay:

*Section 1 is “use in commerce,” and Section 44 is a “foreign application.”

How trademark fees can add up

What a trademark covers is necessarily limited. You may need separate trademarks for names, logos, advertising slogans, and products.

Products and services are separated into distinct categories called trademark classes, and each class requires a separate filing fee.⁵

Making mistakes on your trademark application can cost more and lead to rejection

Filing for a trademark doesn’t mean you’ll get it. The USPTO reviews every application carefully before it approves or denies them. Many rejections are due to preventable mistakes. 

You may have the chance to correct minor errors like typos and address changes. But, if the office doesn’t approve your application, you’ve spent the money with nothing to show for it. Getting legal assistance early is a great way to avoid mistakes, but here are a few to watch for.

Likelihood of confusion

The most common reason for rejection is that the name you want is too much like another brand in your industry. The USPTO checks spelling and sounds. They also look at whether customers might mix up the two brands. For example, changing “charms” to “charmz” probably isn’t enough to get your application accepted.

Generic or descriptive names

The USPTO won’t let you trademark a generic name or one that just describes something. For example, “Freshly Brewed Coffee” isn’t creative or unique enough. You need to find a name that distinguishes your product, service, or company from others. That’s a big part of building a strong brand identity.

Technical errors

If you use incorrect descriptions or the wrong class on your trademark application, the USPTO may ask you to fix those mistakes. The same goes for submitting an incomplete application. You’ll pay a fee, or those errors could even cause a denial.

Legal help vs. filing on your own

You have three paths toward filing for a trademark: Hire a traditional law firm, use a legal service, or do it yourself. The cost and level of support are different for each option. You need to understand what’s involved before you decide.

LegalShield and affordable legal access

You want legal advice, but you don't want to pay a lot to get it. Working with LegalShield provider lawyers gives you the best of both worlds. You get experienced legal guidance and document reviews to help you catch errors.

LegalShield Business Plans cover a variety of business issues. On the Advanced and Premium Plans, you can consult with a LegalShield provider lawyer to ask questions about trademarks.

Hire your own law firm

It’s understandable that you may want legal help with your trademark application. If you hire a lawyer on your own, you need to be aware of how much it can cost. 

Your total cost could be well over $1,000 per basic application. If there are complications, the firm may charge you an extra $300 to $400 per hour to help you resolve them. On top of those hourly fees, they usually charge for every email and phone call.  Not knowing exactly how much the services will cost makes budgeting hard.

File it yourself

Filing your application on your own is definitely the cheapest option initially, but it is also the riskiest option. If you make a mistake, the USPTO will either charge you to let you fix it or deny your application. You won’t get your money back for a denied application.

Extra costs you might face later

You could face more costs during the examination process, and you’ll also have ongoing fees to keep a trademark active. 

During the approval process, you might need to respond to an Office Action. That’s a USPTO notice that explains why it can’t approve your trademark yet. You have the chance to fix your mistakes, and you’ll usually have a default 3-month deadline. If needed, you can pay $125 for a one-time, 3-month extension. You may also need to hire a lawyer to help you fix the mistakes if you aren’t clear about how to do it on your own. 

If your company hasn’t started using a trademark in commerce yet, you can file a trademark application based on your intent to use it. This holds your place in line. If the USPTO accepts your application, it will issue you a Notice of Allowance, which will have an associated fee. You’ll need to pay $150 to file a Statement of Use (SOU) within 6 months of your Notice of Allowance to prove actual use. If the trademark is not yet in use, you can also request 6-month extensions for up to 3 years, with each costing an extra $125.

If you start using the trademark before approval, you can file an Amendment to Allege Use. That costs $150.

Your trademark has an expiration date. You have to file documents and pay fees to keep it active. Your maintenance schedule typically follows this pattern:

• Between years 5 and 6 after the registration date: filing a Declaration of Use and/or Excusable Nonuse and paying $325
• Between years 9 and 10 after registration: filing a Declaration of Use and/or Excusable Nonuse and an Application for Renewal, and paying $575
• Every 10 years thereafter: filing a Declaration of Use and/or Excusable Nonuse and an Application for Renewal, and paying $575

Missing those deadlines comes with a high cost. You could lose your trademark, and others could start using the name you had been protecting.

Is the cost of a trademark worth it for a small business?

The trademark cost seems like a lot, but it could save you money in the long run. A registered trademark is a business asset, so the cost is an investment. If you decide to expand or sell your business, the trademark can add to your company’s value. 

If someone else trademarks your name first, you may have to rebrand. That would mean paying for new marketing materials, and it could also lead to lost sales and customer mistrust. It could even result in legal fees as you resolve the issue.

Protecting your brand early helps prevent costly legal fees later. It also gives you more control over your brand identity.

Turn trademark costs into a smart investment with LegalShield

Trademarking your intellectual property helps to protect your brand. Knowing how much a trademark costs helps you plan your budget. It also helps you make smart business choices.

Your LegalShield Membership lets you talk to an experienced provider law firm. Plans start around $2/day. You can ask for advice about trademarks, business taxes, and more. Help protect your brand early with a LegalShield Membership.

Frequently asked questions about trademarks

What is the cheapest way to get a trademark?

Filing a single-class application yourself is the cheapest option, at $350 for the basic filing fee. This option is also the riskiest. A minor error can lead to delays, extra fees, or even a rejected application. Getting help from a LegalShield provider lawyer is a cost-effective way to avoid expensive mistakes.

How much does it cost to trademark a logo vs. a name?

Generally, they will cost the same, but if you have both, you need to protect them separately. A logo is a design mark, while a name is a word mark. The USPTO considers them two different elements.

Should I form a business entity or get a trademark first?

Most business owners form a legal entity before applying for a trademark. This gives you limited liability protection, and state laws won’t let you use a name that another company in your state is already using. A trademark protects your logo or brand name nationwide. Still, it’s a good idea to search the trademark database before you form your entity to avoid having to rebrand.

Can I get my money back if the USPTO says no?

Your trademark application fee is non-refundable. The government keeps your money, whether the USPTO approves or denies your application.

How long does a trademark last?

A trademark lasts indefinitely, as long as you keep using it and paying the required maintenance fees. You’ll need to file documents and pay a fee between the fifth and sixth years, then again between the ninth and tenth years. After that, you’ll need to renew your trademark every ten years.

Citations:

1 United States Patent and Trademark Office. USPTO fee schedule. https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/fees-and-payment/uspto-fee-schedule 

2 United States Patent and Trademark Office. Trademark Center. https://trademarkcenter.uspto.gov/ 

3 United States Patent and Trademark Office. Trademark ID Manual. https://idm-tmng.uspto.gov/id-master-list-public.html 

4 United States Patent and Trademark Office. How much does it cost? https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/basics/how-much-does-it-cost 

5 United States Patent and Trademark Office. Goods and services. https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/basics/goods-and-services 

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