Trademark registration protects your brand identity—but the costs vary wildly depending on whether you DIY, use an online service, or hire an attorney. Understanding what you're actually paying for helps you make the right choice for your business. Let's break down the real expenses.
Government Filing Fees
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) charges a baseline filing fee of $250–$350 per class when you submit an application online through the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS). This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
If you file for a composite mark (combining words, logos, and designs), each additional class adds another $250–$350. A business protecting its name across multiple categories—like retail goods, services, and digital products—might file across 3–5 classes, pushing government fees alone to $1,000–$1,750.
Keep in mind: these are just the filing fees. The application itself requires proper descriptions, specimens of use, and declarations of ownership. Errors here mean rejections and refilings.
DIY Filing vs. Professional Services
Budget DIY Approach
Filing on your own through the USPTO website costs only the government fees mentioned above. Legally, you can absolutely do this—the forms are publicly available and the TEAS system is relatively user-friendly.
The catch: Most small business owners underestimate the technical requirements. The trademark description must be precise. Your "specimen of use" (proof you're actually using the mark) must meet strict standards. A poorly worded description or rejected specimen means starting over, losing your filing date priority, and paying another $250–$350.
Online Trademark Services
Services like LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, and Trademarkia charge $150–$400 on top of the government fees. You're paying for:
- Trademark search and availability checks
- Application drafting assistance
- Class selection guidance
- Status monitoring and renewal reminders
These services don't replace an attorney—they handle paperwork logistics and reduce your rejection risk. Expect a total cost of $500–$800 for a single class.
Hiring an Intellectual Property Attorney
A trademark attorney typically charges between $800–$2,500 for straightforward applications, on top of government fees. Complex filings (multiple classes, disputed names, or international protection) can exceed $5,000.
What attorneys provide that DIY and online services don't:
- Comprehensive clearance searches ($200–$500 separately)
- Professional trademark strategy (should you file in other countries? Different classes?)
- Office action responses if the USPTO rejects your application (each response costs $300–$800)
- Prosecution expertise to overcome legal objections
An attorney-handled application typically takes 4–8 months from filing to approval, compared to 3–6 months for DIY filings. The extra time often reflects better application quality and fewer rejections.
Hidden and Ongoing Costs
Search and clearance: Before filing, you should conduct a professional trademark search to avoid conflicts. Expect $150–$400 for a comprehensive search. Skip this and you risk filing fees on a doomed application.
International registration: If you operate globally, a Madrid Protocol application (filing in multiple countries) costs $1,600–$3,000+ depending on countries selected and whether you use an attorney.
Renewal fees: After 10 years, renewal costs $400–$500 per class, plus potential attorney fees for the filing.
Office action responses: If the USPTO issues an objection or rejection, responding professionally can cost $300–$1,200 per action.
What to Look For When Hiring
Choose a provider—whether an online service or attorney—that clearly itemizes costs upfront. Ask:
- Are office action responses included or extra?
- What happens if your application is rejected?
- Do they provide a trademark clearance search first?
- Are renewal reminders and filing included?
If you're comparing multiple IP law providers in your area, Mercoly helps you find and evaluate trusted intellectual property law professionals side-by-side, so you can compare experience, fees, and service offerings before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is filing without an attorney ever worth it? Yes—if your trademark is distinctive, you operate in a single class, and you're comfortable with technical USPTO requirements. But for a $2,000+ asset, attorney review often costs less than potential rejections and refiling.
Q: How long until my trademark is protected? Filing provides immediate "common law" rights, but federal protection typically takes 3–8 months from application to approval, depending on complexity and whether office actions arise.
Q: Can I file internationally right away, or should I file in the U.S. first? The Madrid Protocol allows simultaneous multi-country filing, but most businesses file in the U.S. first to establish a solid foundation, then expand internationally after approval.
Get quotes from multiple IP attorneys in your area—costs and expertise vary significantly, and the right fit depends on your business structure and growth plans.