Overview of Trademark Filing Fees

By Josh Gerben, Esq.

Each trademark registration is different, based on the type of application filed and the number of international classes included.  However, basic filing fees are as follows:

• TEAS Plus application–$225 per class
• TEAS RF application–$350 per class
• TEAS Regular application–$400 per class

Read on to learn more about these applications and additional fees associated with filing a trademark registration.

The Costs to Register a Trademark in the U.S.

The USPTO no longer accepts paper trademark applications.  As of October 2019, all trademark applications must be submitted through the Trademark Electronic Application System, or TEAS.  There are three application options through TEAS.  The first is TEAS Plus, which is $225 per class of goods or services.  With the TEAS Plus application, you must select from a list of limited number of goods or services in the USPTO ID Manual.  You will also be required to send and receive all communications by email and pay the fees for all classes at the time of filing.

The cost of TEAS Reduced Fee (TEAS RF) is $350 per class.  You will not have to choose your class of goods or services through the ID Manual and can select from the 47 International Classes.  You are also not required to pay fees for classes at the time of filing, but you will only be able to communicate or send documentation to the USPTO through email.  If you initially file using TEAS Plus or TEAS RF but do not meet the requirements, you’ll be charged an additional $125.

The final option is the TEAS Regular application, and the fees for this application are $400 per class.  While you will submit the TEAS Regular application online, you won’t be required to communicate with the USPTO only through email.  You will also not be required to pay for your class fees upfront.  Business owners and individuals filing international trademark registrations will also be required to pay additional fees to WIPO.  Refer to their website to learn more about those fees.

Trademark registration in the United States requires documentation on use in commerce.  However, business owners that have not yet begun to use the trademark in the marketplace can still submit an application to the USPTO.  Once their applications are approved, though, they will not receive a trademark registration.  They’ll receive a Notice of Allowance, and will then be required to file a statement of use and pay a fee of $100 per class within six months.  Six-month extensions are also available at a fee of $125 per class.

If your trademark is given an ‘Abandoned’ status at any time during the registration process, the USPTO requires a petition fee of $100 to revive the application process.  Once your trademark has been registered, you will be required to pay renewal fees to the USPTO.  For new trademarks, the first renewal occurs between the fifth and sixth year at a fee of $125 per class.  The next renewal occurs between the ninth and tenth year at a fee of $425 per class.  After that, you’ll be required to renew your trademark and submit your $425 fee every ten years.  Be sure to meet your renewal deadlines.  While there is a six month grace period for renewals, it comes with a fee of $200 per class.

To learn how to renew a U.S. trademark registration, click here.

Understanding Trademark Filing Fees

The total fees paid for trademark registration will differ quite a bit, depending on the type of application used and the total number of classes filed.  While you may find the initial cost to register your trademark high, the protections you’ll be provided with trademark registration are incredibly valuable to the future success of your business.  Work with an experienced trademark attorney to increase your likelihood of approval and ensure the process runs smoothly.  Gerben IP offers a reasonable flat rate fee for basic trademark applications.  Contact us today to learn more about our full suite of trademark registration and monitoring services.

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Josh Gerben, Esq.

Josh Gerben, Esq. is the founder and principal of Gerben IP. In 2008, Mr. Gerben started the firm to provide high-quality trademark services at reasonable prices. Today, he is recognized by the World Trademark Review as a top trademark filer, having registered over 7,500 trademarks. The contents of this blog are for informational purposes only and may not be relied on as legal advice.