How to Apply for US Trademark Registration? What’s the Cost?

How to Apply for US Trademark Registration and How Much Does It Cost

For businesses or individuals planning to operate in the United States or expand into overseas markets, trademark registration is an important step in protecting brand rights. In recent years, as Chinese enterprises accelerate their internationalization, more and more Chinese companies choose to register trademarks in the United States to safeguard their own interests. So, how do you apply for US trademark registration? And what are the costs?

According to relevant regulations of the United States Patent and Trademark Office USPTO, the trademark registration process is relatively complex, but through professional guidance, the success rate can be effectively improved. First, applicants need to determine whether their trademark has uniqueness and can distinguish the source of goods or services. This step is very important because the USPTO will strictly review the uniqueness of the trademark and its similarity to existing trademarks.

In the preparation stage, applicants need to provide clear trademark drawings and detailed descriptions, while determining which categories of goods or services the trademark will be used for. These pieces of information can be found in the Nice Classification. A proof of use of the trademark or a statement of intent to use must also be submitted, indicating that the trademark will be used in commercial activities in the future.

During the application process, the USPTO will conduct an initial review of the submitted materials and may request additional information or modifications. If everything goes smoothly, the USPTO will publish the trademark information on its official website, entering a 30-day opposition period. During this time, any third party can raise objections. If there are no objections, the trademark will finally be approved and officially registered.

As for fees, the USPTO charges different amounts for each category of goods or services. Currently, the basic application fee for a single category ranges from $250 to $300, depending on the application method-online applications are usually cheaper. Additional fees are required for each additional category. Other potential costs include lawyer consultation fees, translation fees, etc.

It should be noted that in recent years, due to changes in Sino-US trade relations, some Chinese companies have been cautious about applying for trademarks in the U.S. However, professionals point out that as long as legal and compliant principles are followed and intellectual property rights are actively maintained, one can still gain an advantageous position in the international market. For example, a well-known Chinese electronics company successfully registered its trademark in the United States, not only enhancing brand awareness but also effectively preventing competitors from maliciously preemptively registering it.

In summary, although applying for US trademark registration has certain thresholds, as long as adequate preparation is made and professional institutions are sought for help, the process can be completed smoothly. For Chinese enterprises intending to enter the US market, early planning of a trademark strategy is undoubtedly a wise move.