Navigating Trademark Registration Fees with the USPTO: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you considering registering a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)? If so, you should be aware of the various costs involved in the process, particularly the mandatory filing fees and potential additional charges. This article will help you understand the lowest possible cost for trademark registration and how to avoid fraudulent practices.

Understanding the USPTO Filing Fees

The USPTO requires a filing fee as part of the application process for trademark registration. According to the USPTO fee schedule, the lowest possible filing fee for a complete application (TEAS Plus) is currently $225. This fee covers a standard trademark application for one class of goods or services and is non-negotiable.

What If a Company Claims to Offer Trademark Registration for $60-80?

There are a few scenarios you should be aware of if a company claims it can register your trademark for a much lower price, such as $60-80:

Services Fee Only: The company may be referring to the cost of preparing your application paperwork (TEAS Plus), but they will still require you to pay the $225 filing fee directly to the USPTO. This means the total cost to you would be the service fee plus the filing fee, which could easily exceed $300. State Trademark Registration: It is possible that the company is offering a state trademark registration, which is a different process and may not include federal protection. Make sure to verify the type of protection you are obtaining. Scam: There have been instances of fraudulent companies claiming to provide trademark registration services at extremely low costs. Always research and verify the company's legitimacy before proceeding with any payments.

Types of Trademark Applications and Their Fees

Understanding different file types and their associated fees can help you make a more informed decision:

TEAS Basic: This is the simplest application option and is free, but it has limited features and restrictions. For instance, it can only be used for registration in one class and cannot include a specimen of use. Therefore, if you want a more comprehensive trademark registration covering multiple classes, you may need to switch to another option. TEAS Plus: This option is the cheapest at $225 and allows you to file in multiple classes and include a specimen of use. However, it still has some restrictions and does not provide as many features as the more expensive options like TEAS Gold and TEAS Electronic. TEAS Gold: This option is more comprehensive and allows for the filing of multiple classes with a specimen of use, online submission, and support for foreign registrations. The filing fee for this option is $525. TEAS Electronic: This is the most expensive option, with a filing fee of $725. It provides all the features of the TEAS Gold option, including online submission, support for foreign registrations, and discounts for repeat filings.

Conclusion

The lowest cost for trademark registration with the USPTO is $225 for a TEAS Plus application. However, be cautious of companies that claim to offer trademark registration for significantly lower prices, as this can indicate either a misunderstanding of the process or an attempt to defraud you. Always verify the legitimacy of the company and the type of trademark protection you are seeking.

By understanding the various costs and options available, you can make an informed decision when registering your trademark with the USPTO.