How Much Does It Cost to Register a Trademark?
At DiAngelo Law, we’ve seen it all. The entrepreneurs who build something incredible, only to realize too late that they don’t actually own the brand they worked so hard to create. One client came to us in panic mode, blindsided by a cease-and-desist letter from a company claiming rights to their business name.
They had poured years into their brand, built a loyal customer base, and even expanded into new markets only to face the devastating possibility of starting over. Unfortunately, this isn’t an uncommon story. The truth is trademarks aren’t just legal red tape; they’re the foundation of a secure, scalable business. So, before you grow any bigger, let’s answer the question: How much does it actually cost to register a trademark?
Cost Breakdown of Filing a Trademark
When considering trademark registration, it’s essential to break down the costs involved. While the exact cost can vary depending on several factors, here’s a general idea of what you can expect:
USPTO Filing Fees
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) charges a filing fee per class of goods or services your trademark covers. These fees start at $350 per class. If your business spans multiple categories (for example, clothing and accessories), you’ll need to pay for each class separately.
Attorney Fees
While hiring an attorney isn’t mandatory, it significantly increases your chances of approval. Trademark attorneys generally charge between $1,000 and $3,000 for a comprehensive search, application preparation, and monitoring throughout the process.
Comprehensive Trademark Search
Before filing, a thorough trademark search is crucial to ensure your mark isn’t already taken. A professional search starts at $1,000 per search, depending on the level of detail.
Office Actions and Legal Responses
If the USPTO issues an office action (a refusal or request for clarification), responding to it can incur additional legal fees ranging from $200 to $1,500 per response.
Trademark Monitoring and Maintenance
Once your trademark is registered, ongoing monitoring helps protect your brand from infringement. Trademark monitoring services start off at $500 per year, while maintenance filings (due every five to ten years) start at around $600 based on the number of marks and how they are used.
The Cost of Not Trademarking is Higher Than the Cost of Filing
53% of trademark applications get abandoned—because people don’t do it right the first time. But beyond the risk of rejection, failing to trademark your brand can cost you even more in the long run. Here’s why:
Rebranding Expenses
If you’re forced to change your business name, the costs can add up quickly. You’ll need to redesign your logo, update marketing materials, notify customers, and potentially lose years of brand recognition. Rebranding costs can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more.
Legal Disputes Over Your Name
Without a trademark, you risk another company taking legal action against you. Defending your brand in court can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $250,000, even if you ultimately win.
Lost Brand Recognition and Customer Trust
If you have to change your name or logo, your customers might not immediately recognize your new brand. This could result in lost sales, a decrease in customer trust, and a hit to your credibility.
Restarting the Trademark Process If It’s Done Wrong
Many business owners attempt to file a trademark on their own, only to make mistakes that get their applications rejected. This means wasting time and money before ultimately hiring an attorney to fix the errors.
DiAngelo Law Case Study:
A small business owner we worked with had built a strong brand over five years. But after an unexpected legal challenge that ultimately led to receiving a cease and desist letter, they had to rename their company, buy a new domain, and reintroduce themselves to their market, costing them $16,000 in rebranding and lost revenue. Had they trademarked from the beginning, they would have avoided this financial and emotional stress.
Why People Spend More Money on Trademarks Than They Should
Many business owners overspend on trademarks—not because trademarking is inherently expensive, but because they make costly mistakes along the way. Here are the most common reasons why:
Waiting Until It’s Too Late
Many entrepreneurs wait until they face a legal challenge to start the trademark process. By then, they may already be involved in a costly dispute that could have been avoided with proactive trademarking.
Trying to File on Their Own Multiple Times Before Hiring a Lawyer
It’s common for business owners to attempt filing on their own, only to get rejected multiple times. Each failed attempt wastes filing fees and delays the process, often leading them to hire a lawyer anyway—after spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars unnecessarily.
Filing Their Trademark Incorrectly Under the Wrong Category
Choosing the wrong trademark class or not covering all necessary classes can leave a brand vulnerable. Business owners often have to refile their applications, doubling or tripling their costs.
Why Smart Entrepreneurs Invest in Legal Help for Trademarks
The smartest entrepreneurs see trademarks not as an expense, but as an investment in their brand’s longevity and profitability. Here’s why hiring legal help is the best financial decision:
Increased Revenue Through Brand Protection
A registered trademark establishes credibility, builds trust with customers, and prevents competitors from copying your brand. Studies show that companies with strong trademark protection experience higher brand loyalty and revenue growth.
Avoiding Expensive Legal Battles
A properly registered trademark reduces the risk of costly disputes. In contrast, companies that fail to secure their trademarks often end up spending tens of thousands in legal fees defending their brand.
Trademark as a Business Asset
A registered trademark isn’t just legal protection—it’s a valuable business asset. If you ever sell your business, a registered trademark can significantly increase its valuation.
Real Life Trademark Case Study:
Tony Robbins has trademarked his name and various phrases associated with his coaching programs, such as “Unleash the Power Within” and “Date with Destiny.” These trademarks allow him to exclusively offer seminars, books, and merchandise under these names, ensuring brand consistency and preventing unauthorized use. This strategy not only safeguards his intellectual property but also reinforces his brand’s value, leading to increased revenue through exclusive offerings.
Grant Cardone has secured trademarks for his name and signature programs like “10X” and “Cardone University.” By doing so, he maintains control over these brands, offering exclusive sales training programs, workshops, and related merchandise. This exclusivity enhances his market position and allows for premium pricing, thereby boosting profitability.
Jay Abraham has trademarked his name and various methodologies he developed, such as “The Abraham Group.” These trademarks protect his proprietary business strategies and consulting services, ensuring that his unique approaches remain associated solely with his brand. This protection enables him to monetize his intellectual property effectively through consulting, speaking engagements, and publications.
Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner has filed numerous trademark applications, including for her first name “Kylie” and her cosmetics line. These trademarks enable her to protect her brand identity and ensure exclusive rights to use her name in various product categories, contributing to the success of her business ventures.
Taylor Swift has strategically trademarked several phrases from her songs, such as “This Sick Beat” and “Nice to Meet You, Where You Been?” This proactive approach allows her to control the use of these phrases on merchandise, preventing unauthorized usage and creating exclusive products for her fans.
Hiring a Lawyer to File Your Trademark
At DiAngelo Law, a true trademark strategy is more than filing a trademark application—it’s a proactive, tailored approach to protecting your brand’s identity and ensuring its longevity in a competitive marketplace. It begins with understanding the unique elements of your business, such as names, logos, and taglines, and evaluating their potential for trademark protection.
Through comprehensive searches and risk analyses, we assess the availability and strength of your marks while identifying potential challenges to navigate effectively.
A true trademark strategy also involves creating a customized filing plan that aligns with your business’s goals. From selecting the appropriate jurisdictions and classes to drafting applications that anticipate and avoid common pitfalls, every step is designed to secure broad and meaningful protection for your brand.
Beyond filing, it includes resolving potential challenges, such as office actions or oppositions, and providing actionable solutions to keep the process on track.
Trademark protection doesn’t end with registration. A true strategy incorporates ongoing monitoring, renewal planning, and enforcement to ensure your trademarks remain valuable assets that grow with your business. At DiAngelo Law, we align trademark protection with your business goals, helping you scale confidently while safeguarding the brand you’ve worked hard to build.
Schedule a free consultation today to receive your free trademark strategy action plan and take the next best steps in protecting your brand name.
