Quick Answer:
The overall cost of a US trademark application depends on several factors: the number of classes you choose to file under, official USPTO government fees, and whether you hire a professional. Typically, you will pay a distinct filing fee for each class included, while any other expenses will vary based on your specific situation.
Before you file a trademark, one of the first practical questions that comes up is cost. It sounds simple at first, but the answer isn’t always that simple.
You might see one figure on the USPTO website, a different rate from a legal platform, and a completely distinct estimate from an attorney. Some sources only talk about filing fees, while others bundle in extra services or future costs involved in U.S. trademark registration.
That mix of information can make it difficult to understand what you’ll actually pay. The reality is that the US trademark application cost depends on a few key factors, and once you break them down, the pricing becomes much clearer.
Let’s break down how it all works.
What Makes Up the US Trademark Application Cost?
The total cost usually comes from more than one source. In most cases, it may include:
- USPTO government filing fees
- Additional government fees for extra trademark classes
- Attorney or professional service fees (if you choose to hire one)
- Office Action response costs (if required)
- Future maintenance filing fees after registration
Not every application includes every one of these costs, but it’s helpful to understand where they can appear.
USPTO Trademark Filing Fee
The largest mandatory expense for most applicants is the USPTO trademark filing fee.
As of the current USPTO fee schedule, the standard filing fee for a new trademark application generally starts at $350 per class when filed through Trademark Center, although additional fees may apply depending on the application and the information provided.
One important point is often overlooked: The fee is charged per class, not per trademark. That means one trademark application can cost more if it covers multiple classes of goods or services.
Generally, government filing fees are non-refundable. This holds true even if the USPTO later rejects the application or if the applicant decides to withdraw.
Trademark Cost Per Class
One trademark does not always mean one filing fee. The USPTO organizes trademarks into different classes for goods and services. Every class included in the application carries its own government filing fee.
For example:
| Number of Classes | Government Filing Fee* |
| 1 Class | From $350 |
| 2 Classes | From $700 |
| 3 Classes | From $1,050 |
*Illustrative using the current standard USPTO filing fee. Additional fees may apply depending on the application.
This is why choosing the correct class matters. Filing in unnecessary classes increases costs without automatically giving stronger protection. Our guide on US trademark classes explains how classes work and when multiple classes actually make sense.
Multiple-Class Trademark Cost
A business doesn’t automatically need multiple trademark classes. You only pay for additional classes if your trademark genuinely covers different categories of goods or services.
For example:
- A clothing brand selling only apparel may need one class.
- A company selling clothing and operating retail store services may need more than one class.
- A software company offering downloadable software and cloud-based software may also require multiple classes.
Every additional class generally means another USPTO filing fee.
That is why filing broadly “just in case” is rarely the best strategy. It’s usually better to register the classes that reflect your current business and realistic expansion plans.
Trademark Attorney Cost
Hiring a trademark attorney is optional, but many businesses choose professional help, particularly when:
- The trademark is important to the business.
- Multiple trademark classes are involved.
- A comprehensive trademark search is needed.
- The application is complex.
- An Office Action is received from the USPTO.
Unlike government filing fees, trademark attorney costs are not fixed.
Fees vary depending on the attorney, the services included, and the complexity of the application. Some charge a flat fee for preparing and filing an application, while others bill by the hour or offer different service packages.
The attorney’s fee is separate from the USPTO filing fee.
Other Costs You May Encounter
The filing fee is only one part of the overall picture. Depending on the application, additional costs may arise later, such as:
- Responding to a USPTO Office Action.
- Filing additional trademark classes.
- Petition or appeal fees, where applicable.
- Future maintenance filings after registration.
- Professional advice for more complex applications.
Not every applicant will face these costs, but understanding them helps you plan more realistically.
Can an Office Action Increase the Cost?
Yes, it can. If the USPTO issues a trademark office action, you may need additional work before the application can continue.
For some applicants, that simply means providing clarification or correcting information. For others, it may involve preparing legal arguments, submitting a replacement specimen, or obtaining professional assistance.
An Office Action does not create a new government filing fee in every situation, but responding to it can increase the overall cost if additional professional work becomes necessary.
Does State or Federal Registration Affect the Cost?
It can. The costs discussed in this article relate to federal trademark registration through the USPTO. State trademark registration follows a completely different process, with filing fees set by individual states rather than the federal government.
Then, What About State Trademark Registration Costs?
Not every business starts with federal registration.
If you’re running a small local shop, you might consider starting with a state-level trademark. In these cases, filing fees are set by the state rather than the USPTO, so the cost can vary quite a bit depending on your location.
Just keep in mind that a state trademark usually only protects your brand within state lines. If you plan to expand or sell to customers nationwide, the federal route is usually the better choice.
Here is a quick look at how those costs break down in a few different states.
Delaware
Delaware asks for $35 per class for a state trademark application. These are handled by the Delaware Division of Corporations and only cover your brand within the state, not across the whole U.S.
Texas
Texas currently charges $50 per class to register a trademark with the Texas Secretary of State. As with most state registrations, the protection applies only within Texas.
California
California charges $70 per class for a state trademark application filed with the Secretary of State. Businesses operating only within California sometimes begin here before deciding whether broader federal protection is appropriate.
New York
New York currently charges $50 per class for a state trademark registration application. For businesses serving customers throughout New York but nowhere else, this may be a practical starting point.
These examples show why there is no single answer to the question, “How much does a trademark cost?” The total depends on where you register, how many classes you file, and whether you choose state or federal protection.
If you’re unsure which option fits your business, our guide on state vs federal trademark registration explains the differences in more detail.
Spending More Doesn’t Guarantee Registration
This is worth remembering. Paying a higher filing fee, or hiring a professional, does not automatically mean the trademark will be registered. The USPTO still examines every application based on trademark law. A successful application starts with:
- A trademark that is capable of registration.
- The correct trademark class.
- Clear goods or services.
- A properly prepared application.
That’s why understanding U.S. trademark basics and knowing what can be trademarked in the U.S. and what cannot are just as important as understanding the costs before going through the trademark registration process.
A Simple Cost Checklist
Before filing, ask yourself:
✓ How many trademark classes do I actually need?
✓ Am I paying one filing fee or multiple filing fees?
✓ Will I prepare the application myself or hire professional help?
✓ Have I budgeted for possible Office Actions or future maintenance?
✓ Does the application accurately reflect my current business?
Answering these questions first often prevents unnecessary expenses later. Trust me.
How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Trademark With Business Globalizer?
What you’ll end up paying really comes down to how many classes you’re filing for, the level of help you’re looking for, and if your application needs a bit of extra attention along the way.
At Business Globalizer, we’re here to walk you through the whole U.S. trademark registration process. We’ll help you figure out if your brand is ready for the USPTO, run the right searches, and take care of the official paperwork for you.
We also provide hands-on support with:
- U.S. company formation
- E-commerce business registration
- CAA assistance for ITIN application
- EIN services
- DUNS number support
- U.S. tax guidance
- Ongoing compliance services
Our professional service fee is separate from the USPTO filing fee. Any final quote should clearly show the government cost, service cost, number of classes, and any optional support before you proceed.
That way, you know what you are paying for instead of discovering extra costs halfway through the application.
Closing Thoughts
Before filing, trademark pricing can feel unnecessarily confusing. One website shows the USPTO fee. Another includes legal support. A third gives a package price without explaining how many classes are covered.
Once you separate the pieces, the US Trademark Application Cost becomes much easier to understand. Start with the filing route. Then count the classes. Add professional help only if you need it, and leave room for possible Office Actions or future maintenance. The cheapest number on the page is not always the real total.
What matters is knowing exactly what your fee covers before the application reaches the USPTO.
Key Insights
- Usually, your total cost includes USPTO fees, professional help, and any extra costs that pop up after you file.
- Right now, the standard USPTO filing fee starts at $350 for each class.
- Remember that fees are per class, so the more categories you cover, the more you’ll pay.
- Keep in mind that filing fees aren’t refundable, even if your application gets turned down.
- State fees are a bit different; they vary depending on where you are and are usually cheaper than federal ones.
- For instance, Delaware is $35, Texas and New York are $50, and California is $70 per class.
- If you hire an attorney, their fees will be separate from the government’s filing costs.
- Things like Office Actions or future maintenance can also add to your final bill.
- Pick your classes carefully so you aren’t paying for coverage you don’t actually need.
- Just going for the cheapest option isn’t always the best move if the application ends up being messy or incomplete.
FAQ
How much does a trademark cost in the United States?
Answer: Right now, the basic USPTO filing fee starts at $350 per class. That total can go up if you need more classes, hire a pro to help, have to deal with an Office Action, or pay for upkeep later on.
What is the current USPTO trademark filing fee?
Answer: The standard filing fee usually starts at $350 for each class you include in your new application. Just keep in mind that other fees might pop up depending on how you put the application together.
How does trademark cost per class work?
Answer: The USPTO charges you for every class you list. Based on the current standard fees, one class is $350, two will run you $700, and three come out to $1,050.
What is a multiple-class trademark cost?
Answer: This is just the combined government fee for all the classes you include in one application. Adding more classes covers more ground, but it also means the total filing cost will be higher.
How much is a trademark attorney cost?
Answer: There isn’t a set price here. It really depends on who you hire, the search they do, how many classes you have, and whether your application gets complicated or faces any disputes.
Are state trademark fees cheaper than federal fees?
Answer: Usually, yes. For example, Delaware currently charges $35 per class, Texas $50 per class, California $70 per class, and New York $50 per class. However, state registration generally offers narrower protection.
Is the USPTO filing fee refundable?
Answer: Usually not. USPTO filing fees are generally non-refundable, even if the application is refused, abandoned, or withdrawn.
Can a Trademark Office Action increase the total cost?
Answer: Yes. Some Office Actions require only a simple correction, while others may need evidence, legal arguments, a new specimen, or professional assistance, which can increase the total cost.
Does registering in more trademark classes give better protection?
Answer: Only when those classes genuinely match your goods or services. Filing in unnecessary classes increases costs without automatically making the trademark stronger.
What affects trademark registration cost in the USA?
Answer: The main factors are the filing route, number of classes, professional fees, application complexity, Office Actions, petitions, and later maintenance filings.
