How much does it cost to register a TM?
Asked by: Isidro Wisoky IV | Last update: March 1, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (50 votes)
Trademark registration fees for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) start at a base of $350 per class for standard applications (TEAS Plus equivalent), with potential extra fees for custom descriptions or lengthy listings, while state-level fees are much lower ($15-$70); costs increase significantly with complex applications, Madrid Protocol filings ($600/class), or attorney involvement.
Does it cost money to register a trademark?
The cost of federally trademarking a business name is typically between $350–$850—and it's well worth it. Here's what you can expect to pay for state and federal trademark registration.
How much is it to get a TM?
The cost depends on how many classes of goods or services your trademark will cover. As of now, the USPTO offers two types of applications: TEAS Plus: $250 per class of goods or services. TEAS Standard: $350 per class of goods or services.
What is the fee for trademark registration?
The trademark filing cost or official fees in India is as follows: The official fee for filing one trademark in one class is INR 4500 for a MSME or Start-up or individual. The official fee for filing one trademark in one class by a company is INR 9000/-.
Is it better to trademark or LLC?
An LLC (Limited Liability Company) creates a legal business structure that separates personal and business assets for liability protection, while a trademark protects your brand identity (name, logo, slogan) to prevent consumer confusion, with an LLC being the foundation and a trademark securing your brand's unique identifiers, serving different but complementary roles in business formation and protection. You usually form the LLC first as the legal entity and then register a trademark to protect your specific brand name and logo used within that business.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Trademark in the U.S.? | Business Law Pros News
What is stronger, TM or R?
Legal Protection: The ® symbol provides stronger legal protection than ™. It gives you the right to sue for trademark infringement if someone else tries to use your registered trademark without permission.
What comes first, LLC or trademark?
For most businesses, form your LLC first to establish a legal owner for your brand, then apply for a trademark under the LLC, but always conduct a trademark search before forming the LLC to avoid costly rebrands if the name is already taken. The LLC provides liability protection and a legal entity to own assets like trademarks; however, you need to know the name is clear before registering the LLC.
Can I use TM without registering?
Businesses may use the ™ symbol (note that service businesses use an SM symbol) to indicate that they consider a mark to be their trademark, even if it is not registered. This symbol provides notice to others of your claim of exclusive rights to the trademark.
What is the cheapest trademark?
What is the cheapest way to trademark? There is a free option to get a trademark for your name, logo, or phrase. The way to get a free trademark is to establish common law trademark rights by using your mark to brand your business, products, or services.
What are common trademark mistakes?
Common trademarking mistakes include, but are not limited to: Poor choice of brand name. Your business name should resonate with your target customer and express what you do using a strong, memorable image or word. Failing to perform a complete search of trademark databases.
What names cannot be trademarked?
You can't trademark names that are generic (like "Coffee" for coffee), merely descriptive (like "Fast Shipping" for delivery), misleading, or that use official government symbols or names; surnames are difficult unless widely recognized, and offensive terms are generally prohibited, all to keep common language and essential product descriptors open for public use.
How long does it take to get a TM?
In general, the trademark registration process takes about 12-18 months according to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). However, the trademark application and registration complex can become lengthy, and it's easy to get caught up in each phase.
Can I trademark a name myself?
Unlike surnames, personal names (first names and first names used with last names) can act as trademarks without proof of secondary meaning because they are considered to be inherently distinctive.
Is it better to copyright or trademark a logo?
You should primarily trademark a logo to protect its use as a brand identifier in commerce, preventing consumer confusion, while copyright protects the artistic expression of the logo as a creative work, though many basic logos don't meet copyright's originality threshold, making trademark registration the key for brand protection. Some complex logos might qualify for both, but trademarking is generally the preferred and stronger route for commercial branding.
How long is a trademark valid?
Trademarks do not have expiration dates.
A federal trademark lasts 10 years from the date of registration, with a potentially unlimited number of 10-year renewal terms. So, every 10 years, the owner of a federal trademark registration must renew it with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Do I need a lawyer for trademarking?
Do You Need to Hire an Attorney to Federally Register a Trademark? No. You do not need an attorney to file an application for registration of a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). That being said, you really ought to hire an attorney if you can afford one.
What is a poor man's trademark?
A poor man's trademark, in simple terms, is when a person mails to themselves in an envelope their underlying artwork or name they wish to trademark to themselves using the United States Postal Service.
Can I trademark a logo for free?
There is no way to register a logo trademark for free because you will always have to pay at least a small fee that covers the costs of examining and processing your trademark application. There is no way to get a federal trademark for free.
Is trademarking a name worth it?
Trademarking your company name provides essential legal protection, which enhances brand recognition and increases your business's financial value. These benefits help safeguard your brand against infringement and competition.
Can someone steal my logo if it's not trademarked?
If your logo is registered with the USPTO (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office), you have a strong legal foundation to stop others from using it. But even without registration, you may still have common law rights if you've been using the logo consistently in commerce.
Can you put a TM on your logo?
If your trademark is a logo or design, put TM or ® on the right side of your wordmark (names, terms, phrases) and in subscript so that it is in the lower-right corner. Alternatively, you can put the trademark symbol in the logo.
Is Taylor Swift's name trademarked?
Yes, Taylor Swift has trademarked many aspects of her brand, including her name, album titles, song lyrics, tour names, and even her cats' names, to control commercial use, prevent unauthorized merchandise, and maintain brand integrity, protecting everything from music to apparel and digital content across numerous countries. Her proactive strategy involves trademarking common phrases like "This Sick Beat," tour titles like "The Eras Tour," and even unique terms like "Swiftmas" and "Taylor-Con," securing control over her extensive creative output and brand extensions.
What is the 3 month rule for copyright?
The "copyright 3 month rule" refers to a key deadline for U.S. copyright registration: you must register your work within three months of its first publication (or before infringement begins) to be eligible to claim statutory damages and attorney's fees in a copyright infringement lawsuit, which can be crucial for remedies beyond just an injunction. Failing to meet this deadline means you generally can only sue for actual damages (harder to prove) if infringement occurs, but registration is still vital for other benefits and to sue at all, notes Donahue Fitzgerald LLP and Cotman IP.
What names to avoid for LLC?
You should avoid LLC names that are misleading, offensive, too similar to existing brands, or use restricted words like "Bank," "Trust," or "Insurance" without proper licensing; also steer clear of implying government affiliation or illegal activity and names that are hard to spell or remember, as these can cause legal issues, confusion, or hinder branding.
Which is bigger, TM or R?
Neither ™ (TM) nor ® (R) is inherently "bigger" in size, but ® (Registered Trademark) signifies a much stronger legal status and broader protection than ™ (Trademark); ™ is used for unregistered marks to claim rights, while ® can only be used after a mark is officially registered with a government patent and trademark office (like the USPTO in the U.S.), offering federal protection and the ability to sue for damages, making it legally "bigger" and more powerful for brand owners.