USPTO Trademark Fee Changes for 2025: What You Need to Know

By Eric Perrott, Esq.

Published: November 22, 2024
Modified: March 23, 2026 Published: November 22, 2024 | Modified: March 23, 2026

On January 18, 2025, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will introduce a new fee structure for trademark applications and maintenance.

This overhaul is part of the USPTO’s ongoing effort to streamline its operations and ensure that trademark filings meet certain standards of completeness and accuracy. The changes are extensive, and they carry significant implications for both new applicants and existing trademark owners.

In this article, we’ll break down the changes, explain how they might impact your trademark strategy, and offer tips to help you navigate this updated fee landscape effectively.

Change #1: Application base fee and surcharge system replaces TEAS-PLUS

One of the most notable changes is the elimination of the TEAS-PLUS application. This filing option previously rewarded applicants with lower fees in exchange for adhering to stricter filing requirements, such as using predefined goods and services descriptions from the USPTO’s Identification Manual.

Under the new fee structure, all trademark applications will have a base fee of $350 per class. From there, additional surcharges will apply depending on the content and structure of the trademark application.

Here’s a breakdown of the potential surcharges:

• Insufficient Information
  If your application is missing any of the 19 required pieces of information, an additional fee of $100 per class will apply.
• Use of Free-Form Text
  Using your own language to describe goods or services instead of selecting predefined terms from the USPTO’s Identification Manual will cost $200 per class.
• Exceeding 1,000 Characters
  If your free-form text exceeds 1,000 characters, you’ll incur an additional fee of $200 per 1,000 characters.

These changes clearly incentivize applicants to submit well-structured and precise filings, making it easier for the USPTO to process applications efficiently.

Change #2: Increased costs for key filings

In addition to trademark application fee restructuring, the USPTO is increasing several existing fees.

Here are the most notable adjustments:

• Madrid Protocol (Section 66(a))
  Increased from $500 to $600 per class.
• Intent-to-Use (ITU) Fees
  The cost of filing a Statement of Use will rise from $100 to $150 per class.
• Renewal Fees (Section 8/71 Declaration)
  Increased from $225 to $325 per class.
• Renewal Fees (Section 9 Registration Renewal)
  Increased from $300 to $325 per class.
• Petition to the Director
  Increased from $250 to $400.
• Petition to Revive an Application
  Increased from $150 to $250.

These changes reflect the USPTO’s commitment to maintaining a robust trademark registration system while addressing administrative costs and operational needs.

USPTO 2025 trademark fee updates at a glance

Why is the USPTO making changes to the trademark fee schedule?

The USPTO’s fee adjustments are designed to support the agency’s broader goals as outlined in its 2022–2026 Strategic Plan. Key priorities include:

• Improving trademark examination quality and timeliness.
  The new fees aim to ensure that applications are complete and accurate, reducing the time required for examination.
• Enhancing efforts to fight trademark fraud.
  Additional funding will allow the USPTO to enhance efforts to detect and prevent fraudulent trademark filings.
• Cleaning up the trademark register.
  By removing unused trademarks, the USPTO seeks to maintain a clear and accurate register.
• Investing in IT infrastructure.
  The USPTO plans to invest in reliable technology systems to better support applicants and examiners.

Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and USPTO Director Kathi Vidal emphasized the importance of these updates, stating:

“Our updated trademark fees will allow us to develop new ways to fight fraud, support our colleagues and stakeholders with reliable IT infrastructure, and enhance our work to reduce trademark pendency.”¹

How will the new fee structure affect trademark applicants and owners?

The updated trademark fee structure requires applicants and owners to carefully budget for increased costs. Both new applications and ongoing maintenance filings will be more expensive, making it critical to account for these higher expenses in your trademark strategy.

At the same time, these increased fees come with potential benefits. If the USPTO meets its goals, applicants may enjoy quicker processing times for trademark applications and upgraded systems for filing and maintaining trademarks.

Additionally, as the USPTO also plans to increase its efforts at combating fraudulent trademark filings, the integrity of the U.S. trademark register will strengthen, which protects trademark owners and applicants alike.

Tips for minimizing costs under the USPTO’s new fee structure

1. Submit complete applications: Double-check that all 19 required pieces of information are included in your application to avoid the $100 per class penalty.
2. Use the USPTO Identification Manual: Choose appropriate descriptions of goods and services from the predefined terms found in the USPTO’s Identification Manual.
3. Streamline free-form text: If you must use free-form descriptions, keep them concise to stay under the 1,000-character threshold.
4. Review existing trademarks: Ensure that all of your current trademarks are properly maintained to avoid unnecessary fees or complications.
5. Plan for renewals: Mark deadlines for renewal filings well in advance to avoid last-minute rushes that could lead to errors or delays.
6. Work with a trademark attorney: An experienced trademark attorney can help you navigate the new system, ensure compliance, and avoid unnecessary fees.

Final thoughts

The USPTO’s new fee structure represents a significant shift in how the government agency is assessing trademark applications and filings. While these changes aim to improve the overall efficiency and integrity of the trademark registration system, they also place a greater burden on applicants to submit precise, well-prepared filings.

By understanding these changes and adapting your filing strategies, you can minimize costs and position your business for trademark success in 2025 and beyond.

If you have questions about how these updates might affect your trademark portfolio or need assistance with a new application, don’t hesitate to reach out to Gerben IP’s trademark attorneys for personalized guidance.

Visit the USPTO’s official announcement on the updated fees for more details.

¹ United States Patent and Trademark Office, 2024, Trademark fee changes to take effect on January 18, https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USPTO/bulletins/3c20df3. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024

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Eric Perrott, Esq.

Eric Perrott, Esq. is a trademark and copyright attorney committed to providing high-quality legal services for any sized budget. Eric’s ability to counsel clients through any stage of trademark and copyright development and protection allows him to provide his clients with personalized advice and unique analysis. Eric can be reached directly at: [email protected]. The contents of this blog are for informational purposes only and may not be relied on as legal advice.