How much to trademark a logo in the USA?

Trademarking a logo in the United States of America involves costs, which depend on application type, filing method, and optional attorney assistance. For this purpose, the USPTO has three kinds of applications: TEAS Plus, TEAS Standard, and TEAS RF, each serving different fees. The least expensive is the TEAS Plus application with a fee of $250 per class of goods or services; however, it requires that the description of goods and services be more specific in form, as well as that an applicant must agree to receive communications from the USPTO online. The counterpart application is the TEAS Standard application, which costs $350 per class but allows flexibility in describing the goods or services-in other words, an increased fee.

The added costs generally range from $1,000 to $2,000 when you select the services of a trademark attorney to assist in the application process. A lawyer is not required, but it will be advisable, particularly in a case where there are difficult legal issues related to the process. An attorney minimizes the risk of errors in the application process that could delay or even jeopardize your application to register a trademark.

Of course, additional costs may arise depending on the circumstances. For example, if you don't plan on using your trademark immediately, you will have to file a "Statement of Use," which has a fee of $100 per class. If it takes more time to meet all the conditions, you will also be charged for extensions at a similar rate. Trademarks must also be renewed every ten years following registration, or else they become abandoned.

In all, the cost of trademarking a logo in the USA can start from a basic filing fee of $250 for a TEAS Plus application and run into several thousands of dollars once attorney fees and other contingencies are factored in. This investment will help to protect your logo against unlawful use in view of recognition and legal rights of the brand.