How to Register a Trademark on a Budget
The cheapest way to trademark a name is by filing with your state. The cost varies depending on where you live and what type of business you own. If you are a corporation or LLC, you can expect to pay less than $150 in most cases, while sole proprietors and contractors can pay anywhere between $50 to $150.
Online Registration Process
The easiest and least expensive way to register your trademark is online, through the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS). The basic cost to trademark a business name ranges from $225 to $600 per trademark class. This is the cost to submit your trademark application to the USPTO.
Filing Procedures
Once you have confirmed that your desired name and logo are available, you need to file a trademark application with the USPTO. The cheapest way to do this is by filing an online application, which costs $225 per class of goods or services. You can also file a paper application, which costs $600 per class of goods or services. After you have filed your trademark application, the USPTO may issue an office action, which is a letter that lists any issues or objections with your application.
Establishing Trademark Rights
The cheapest way to establish trademark rights is through common law, by simply using the mark in commerce. It costs nothing to establish common law rights, compared to the fees for federal registration. However, federal registration provides stronger, nationwide rights.
Key Considerations for Trademark Registration
- The trademark registration process can be confusing as trademark laws can be different between states, regions, and countries.
- Your business name will be put up for "check" if your application passes the examination, granting anyone with a similar name to file a trademark infringement complaint against you.
- If you use a trademark without registering it, there’s a risk that someone else could register the same or similar mark, causing potential problems.
The cheapest place to register a trademark is to do it yourself online through the USPTO website. It costs $275 per class of goods or services that you want to register for. You can also hire a lawyer or trademark registration service, which will cost more but may be worth it if you have a complex trademark or if you want professional help navigating the process.