U.S. Trademark Registration Costs Explained All You Need to Know!

Understanding U.S. Trademark Registration Costs Everything You Need to Know

In today’s globalized business environment, a brand has become one of the most valuable assets for any company. As one of the world’s largest consumer markets, the United States has long been a leader in intellectual property protection. For businesses and individuals looking to expand into the U.S. market, registering a trademark is a crucial step in protecting brand rights and avoiding potential legal disputes.

However, many applicants are unclear about the breakdown of trademark registration costs in the U.S. This article aims to provide a comprehensive and practical breakdown of the various expenses involved in registering a U.S. trademark.

1. Basic Filing Fees

The United States Patent and Trademark Office USPTO is the official government agency responsible for handling trademark registrations. Its fee structure is transparent and publicly available.

According to the latest data from USPTO, the base cost for filing a trademark in 2025 ranges from $250 to $350 per class, depending on the application method and number of classes selected.

TEAS Plus Application This is the most cost-effective option at $250 per class, but it requires applicants to use pre-approved descriptions of goods/services from the USPTO database and complete a pre-filing review.

TEAS Standard Application Priced at $350 per class, this option allows for custom descriptions of goods or services, offering more flexibility but at a higher cost.

Since a single trademark can be registered across multiple classes, the total cost increases with the number of classes selected.

2. Attorney or Agency Service Fees

For non-U.S. applicants, navigating the language, legal system, and procedural complexity often makes it practical to hire a professional trademark agency or attorney.

Service fees vary widely depending on the provider and scope of work. Typically, reputable agencies charge between $800 and $2,000 for trademark registration services. These often include trademark searches, preparation of application documents, and responding to office actions.

Some platforms offer full-service packages that include trademark availability searches, legal drafting, and follow-up with the USPTO. While more expensive, these services significantly increase the chances of successful registration.

Be cautious of low-cost services claiming to complete the entire process for just a few hundred RMB. These often come with hidden fees or poor service quality, and may even lead to application rejection.

3. Trademark Search and Risk Assessment Fees

Before submitting an official application, conducting a trademark search is a critical step. It helps identify whether the proposed mark conflicts with existing or pending trademarks, reducing the risk of rejection.

While the USPTO offers a free online search tool called TSDR, it can be difficult to use and interpret without legal knowledge. As a result, many applicants choose to pay for a professional search and risk assessment.

This service typically costs between $200 and $600, depending on the depth of the search and the level of detail in the report.

4. Office Action Response Fees

Even with a complete application, applicants may receive an Office Action from the USPTO. This is usually due to issues such as lack of distinctiveness, similarity to an existing mark, or failure to meet formal requirements.

Failing to respond effectively and on time can result in the abandonment of the application.

Responding to an Office Action may involve legal arguments, modifications to the application, or submission of additional evidence. This is typically handled by an attorney, with fees ranging from $500 to $2,000, depending on the complexity of the case.

5. Maintenance and Renewal Fees

Trademark registration is not a one-time process. To keep the registration active, trademark owners must fulfill certain maintenance requirements

Declaration of Use between the 5th and 6th year $125 per class

Renewal between the 9th and 10th year $400 per class

Failure to meet these requirements or use the trademark properly may lead to cancellation by third parties. Therefore, ongoing monitoring and timely payment of fees are essential.

6. Expedited Processing and Priority Rights Fees

For applicants who need to expedite the registration process, there is an option called the Petition to Make Special, which costs around $160 extra and requires a valid reason, such as an upcoming product launch or legal dispute.

If applying through the Madrid Protocol, applicants must also pay a fee to enter the national phase in the U.S., typically around $100 per class.

Summary of Total Costs

In total, the cost of registering a U.S. trademark typically ranges from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the number of classes, whether legal assistance is used, and whether any office actions or complications arise.

With the deepening of Sino-U.S. economic and trade relations, more and more Chinese companies are paying attention to overseas IP protection, especially in key markets like the U.S. Recent reports show that many Chinese tech firms and consumer brands have accelerated their trademark filings in the U.S. to protect against increasing competition and the risk of brand hijacking.

For example, a well-known Chinese smartphone brand recently registered over a dozen trademarks in the U.S., covering areas such as smart wearables and smart home devices.

Whether you're a startup or an established brand, understanding the cost structure of U.S. trademark registration helps with budget planning and smarter decision-making. Only with early planning and reasonable investment can you build a strong foundation in overseas markets and realize long-term brand value.