Understanding USPTO Trademark Fees
If you’re thinking about registering a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), one of the first questions you’ll probably have is: How much does it cost to register a trademark?
Trademark costs depend on several factors — the type of filing, how many classes of goods or services you include, and whether you’re filing electronically (which the USPTO now requires for most applicants).
This article breaks down the current USPTO trademark fees, explains what each filing type means, and helps you estimate your total cost before you apply.
For a step-by-step overview of the application process itself, see our related guide about How to Register a Trademark in the U.S. To learn more about why its a good idea to register your trademark, see our article with 18 Reasons to Register Your Trademark with the USPTO.
1. Trademark Application Fees
The first cost to register a trademark will be the application fees. Most trademark applicants will pay $350 per class of goods or services. As of mid-2025, all trademark applications must be filed through the USPTO’s new Trademark Center, which replaced the legacy TEAS system. The new platform streamlines filings but also introduces new fee categories depending on how you describe your goods and services.
Trademark Center application using the Trademark ID Manual (dropdown list) are $350 per class of goods or services. This is the standard electronic filing option. You must select pre-approved identifications from the USPTO’s built-in list. This can be reviewed ahead of time using the USPTO’s ID manual.
Trademark Center application using free-form text are $550 per class of goods or services. If you type your own goods/services instead of selecting from the ID Manual, the USPTO now charges an additional $200 per class penalty fee. Trademark attorneys have useful strategies to help you avoid that additional fee, while keeping the description of your product accurate and thorough.
You’ll also pay smaller optional fees if you later need to submit:
- An Amendment to Allege Use, which is $150 per class
- A Statement of Use, which is $150 per class
- An Extension Request to file proof of use, which is $125 per class
These fees are triggered when you opt to file an “Intent-to-Use” trademark application. In the US, trademark rights are based on use in US commerce and for US based applications, the trademark will not register until the applicant can show that the trademark is in use. Trademark attorneys recommend filing an intent-to-use trademark application as soon as you know what brand you intend to use, as it “holds your place in line” while you ramp up your brand. It also makes it so that your trademark can be examined for legal viability, before you invest a ton into marketing.
Pro Tip: each “class” represents a different category of goods or services. For example, clothing (Class 25) and cosmetics (Class 3) count as two classes, even if it’s the same brand name.
2. Petition and Letter of Protest Fees
In certain cases, you may need to file a petition or Letter of Protest to request USPTO review of a procedural issue or challenge another trademark during the examination process.
| Filing Type | Fee (Electronic) |
|---|---|
| Petition to the Director | $400 |
| Petition to Revive an Application | $250 |
| Letter of Protest | $150 |
These filings are typically made by trademark attorneys to resolve issues such as missed deadlines, errors in examination, or improper approvals of conflicting marks.
3. Post-Registration Fees
Once your trademark is registered, you’ll need to file maintenance documents to keep it active.
| Filing Type | Fee (Per Class, Electronic) |
|---|---|
| Section 8 Declaration (5th–6th Year) | $325 |
| Section 15 Declaration (Optional Incontestability, 5th–6th Year) | $250 |
| Section 9 Renewal (10th Year) | $325 |
| Section 71 Declaration | $325 |
| Renewal fee filed at WIPO | $325 |
If you miss your filing window, you enter the grace period and additional fees apply, usually $100 per class.
4. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) Fees
For disputes involving oppositions or cancellations, the USPTO’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) charges higher fees due to the litigation-style process.
| Proceeding Type | Fee (Electronic) |
|---|---|
| Petition for Cancellation | $600 per class |
| Notice of Opposition | $600 per class |
| Ex Parte Appeal | $225 per class |
| Oral Hearing Request | $500 |
5. Madrid Protocol (International Filings)
If you’re protecting your brand abroad under the Madrid Protocol, additional fees apply.
| Filing Type | Fee (Electronic) |
|---|---|
| Certifying an International Application (1 U.S. Base) | $100 per class |
| Section 71 Declaration (for International Registrations) | $325 per class |
| Combined Section 71 + 15 Declarations | $575 per class |
6. Trademark Assignment Fees
When you sell your trademark, or buy a new one, in order to change the owner name, you will need to prepare an Assignment for recordation with the USPTO. The following fees apply to recordation of ownership transfers.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Record Trademark Assignment (First Mark) | $40 |
| Record Trademark Assignment (Each Additional Mark) | $25 |
How to Estimate Your Total Cost to Register a Trademark
Here’s a quick example. Say you file a standard application for a brand name used on both clothing (Class 25) and perfume (Class 3), you’ll pay $350 × 2 = $700 total in USPTO filing fees. You’ll also need to plan for later maintenance filings every five to ten years.
Avoid Mistakes That Make The Cost to Register a Trademark Even Higher
The USPTO does not issue refunds for rejected applications — meaning one error can double your costs. Working with an experienced trademark attorney ensures that your application is filed correctly, your goods/services are properly classified, and you don’t accidentally trigger unnecessary fees.
Stemer Law Offers Flat Fees
At Stemer Law, we have filed and prosecuted over 1,000 trademark applications with a 5-star client rating. Our flat-rate trademark packages that include:
- Direct attorney review and USPTO monitoring
- All government filing fees and legal drafting
- Guidance for long-term brand protection and renewals
For single trademark applications with 3 or fewer classes, our attorney’s fees are a flat rate of $950, and discounts are provided for multiple applications. For example, 2 applications carry a fee of $850 each, while 3 will be reduced to $750.
Our maintenance filings are similarly priced, ranging from $900-1,200 depending on how many classes are included.
Ready to protect your brand? Stemer Law (Stemer, P.A.) is a Denver trademark law firm serving clients across the U.S. and abroad. With 1,000+ trademarks filed, we make brand protection simple, affordable, and effective. To speak with a trademark attorney contact us at hello@stemerlaw.com or (303) 928-1094.
Trademark Filing Fees Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Between $350 and $550 per class of goods or services, depending on how you word the description of your product. Many attorneys charged hourly or have flat-rate fees. At Stemer P.A., we charge between $950 and $750 depending on how many applications filed and how many classes.
It depends on what your company sells. For example, software trademarks are often in two categories representing the downloadable component and the website. Each category of goods or services (e.g., clothing vs. cosmetics) is a separate class and incurs its own fee, so consulting a trademark attorney who can help you limit your classes can help.
No, unfortunately, the USPTO does not refund application fees, even if your application is refused.
Between the 5th and 6th year of registration, and again every 10 years thereafter.


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