One of the first questions every entrepreneur asks is: “How much does it cost to register a trademark?” The honest answer is that the total cost depends on a few key variables — but with the right information, you can budget accurately before you file a single form.
This guide breaks down every cost component, from mandatory government fees to professional service fees, plus the hidden expenses most business owners don’t see coming until it’s too late.
Every trademark registration in the United States has two unavoidable cost categories:
The USPTO charges per application, per class of goods or services. In 2026, the fees are:
A “class” refers to one of 45 international categories covering every type of product or service. A clothing company filing in Class 25, for example, pays $250. A company filing in both Class 25 (clothing) and Class 35 (retail services) pays $500 for TEAS Plus.
Important: USPTO fees are non-refundable even if your application is rejected. This is one of the strongest reasons to conduct a comprehensive trademark search before filing.
Most business owners attempt to file themselves — and roughly 60% receive an Office Action (a legal rejection letter) as a result. Responding to an Office Action costs additional time and money, and can result in abandonment of the application.
Working with a professional service typically costs between $299 and $799 depending on the complexity of the filing. This covers:
Here’s a realistic breakdown for a single-class registration in 2026:
For two classes, expect to budget $800–$1,100. Multi-class applications with complex goods/services descriptions can run higher.
Beyond the initial filing, there are expenses that catch unprepared applicants off guard:
If the USPTO issues a refusal — due to likelihood of confusion with an existing mark, descriptiveness issues, or procedural errors — you’ll need to file a formal written response. Professional response fees typically run $200–$500 per response.
If you file an intent-to-use application before your trademark is in commercial use, you must later file a Statement of Use ($100 per class) once you start using it. Extensions cost $125 per class per 6-month period.
A registered trademark must be renewed between years 5–6 (Section 8 declaration, $225/class) and again every 10 years ($525/class). Budgeting for long-term maintenance is part of the true cost of ownership.
Registration doesn’t protect itself. Without ongoing trademark monitoring, infringers can dilute your rights undetected. Monitoring services typically cost $100–$300 per year.
Many entrepreneurs try to save money by filing themselves. Here’s how the numbers actually compare:
The math often favors professional service — especially for businesses where the trademark will be used in commerce for years to come.
For a single-class registration using TEAS Plus, the government fee alone is $250. With professional service fees included, most applicants budget $549–$749 total for one class.
No. The USPTO charges mandatory, non-refundable filing fees for every application. There is no free pathway to federal trademark registration.
A basic USPTO database search is free. A professional comprehensive trademark search — which covers common law uses, state registrations, and international databases — typically costs $99–$299 and can save you from costly conflicts.
You’ll receive a USPTO Office Action explaining the reason. You have 3 months (extendable to 6 months for $125) to respond. If your application is abandoned, the filing fee is not refunded. Our team handles office action responses for clients who need professional help navigating rejections.
Federal trademark registration covers all 50 states — there is no separate state-by-state filing required. State trademark registration is a separate, less powerful protection that typically costs $50–$150 per state, but most businesses benefit more from federal registration.
Understanding trademark costs is the first step. The next step is making sure your mark is registrable before you spend a dollar on filing fees. Start with a free trademark search from Secure Mark USA, or begin your registration today with our flat-fee service.