Introduction

For many entrepreneurs and startups, the question of how much it costs to register a trademark comes up early in the brand-building journey. The answer isn’t always straightforward because trademark costs depend on several factors, including how many trademarks you want to protect, how many classes of goods or services you file under, and whether you work with an attorney.

At Cohn Legal, PLLC, we believe in clear, upfront pricing so you can budget confidently while protecting what matters most: your brand. Let’s break down the different costs involved in trademark registration and why it’s an investment worth making.

USPTO Filing Fees

The largest unavoidable cost in trademark registration is the filing fee charged by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). These fees are calculated per class of goods or services.

  1. TEAS Plus application: $250 per class of goods or services.

  2. TEAS Standard application: $350 per class of goods or services.

For example, if you’re registering a trademark for both clothing and jewelry, you’ll pay two separate filing fees.

Pro Tip: Filing under the right class is critical. An incorrect class may lead to rejection, wasted fees, and delays.

Attorney’s Fees

While you can technically file a trademark application on your own, most businesses choose to work with an attorney for peace of mind and better results. Attorney’s fees vary widely, but here’s what you can expect:

  1. Flat fees for filing: Many attorneys, including our team at Cohn Legal, offer flat-fee trademark packages. This provides cost certainty from the start.

  2. Office Action responses: If the USPTO issues a refusal (called an Office Action), additional legal work may be required. Responding effectively can cost a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the complexity.

  3. Comprehensive trademark search: A clearance search helps avoid conflicts before you file. This service typically costs between $300 and $600 when handled by a skilled attorney.

Think of these costs as an investment in avoiding expensive disputes later. Filing incorrectly or missing issues in a clearance search can cost far more down the line.

Additional Costs During the Trademark Lifecycle

Trademark protection doesn’t end with filing. Here are other costs to keep in mind:

  1. Statement of Use: If you filed an “intent-to-use” application, you’ll need to file a Statement of Use once you start using your mark in commerce. The USPTO charges $100 per class for this filing.

  2. Extensions of Time: If you’re not ready to show use, you may request extensions for $125 per class each time.

  3. Maintenance filings: Between the 5th and 6th year after registration, you must file a Section 8 Declaration to confirm continued use. Later, you’ll need to file combined renewals (Sections 8 and 9) every 10 years. These maintenance fees typically range from $225 to $525 per class depending on the filing.

  4. Enforcement costs: If someone infringes on your trademark, you may incur costs for cease-and-desist letters, TTAB proceedings, or litigation. While not part of the registration fee, these costs are worth considering in your overall brand protection strategy.

Why Cheap Isn’t Always Cheaper

Many online filing services advertise bargain-basement prices for trademark registration. While the upfront cost may seem appealing, these services often:

  1. Skip thorough trademark searches.

  2. File in the wrong class.

  3. Provide no legal advice if problems arise.

If your application gets refused or opposed, you could spend far more fixing the mistake than you would have spent working with a trademark attorney from the beginning.

Your brand is everything. It deserves more than a one-size-fits-all filing service.

International Costs

If you’re expanding globally, you’ll face additional costs for international trademark protection. Filing under the Madrid Protocol allows you to extend your U.S. application to other countries, but each country has its own government fee. Budgeting for international filings is essential if your startup plans to scale internationally.

Why Trademark Registration Is Worth the Cost

Trademark registration isn’t just a formality, it’s the foundation of your brand protection strategy. A federal registration:

  1. Grants exclusive rights nationwide.

  2. Strengthens your ability to enforce against infringers.

  3. Builds real business value and increases investor confidence.

  4. Paves the way for international protection.

For a relatively modest investment compared to the cost of rebranding or fighting infringement, trademark registration is one of the smartest legal moves a business can make.

Conclusion

So, what are the costs involved in trademark registration? At minimum, you’ll pay USPTO filing fees of $250–$350 per class, plus any attorney’s fees and additional filings required throughout the trademark’s life. While the numbers can add up, the return on investment is undeniable.

Think big. Create and protect your dreams. And if you’re ready to secure your trademark rights with cost clarity and strategic guidance, we’re here to help.

Schedule your free consultation with Cohn Legal, PLLC today.