How much does a trademark cost?

Are you wondering how much to trademark a name or logo for your business? Trademark costs vary significantly across the globe, but understanding these expenses is crucial for protecting your brand internationally. This comprehensive guide breaks down typical trademark fees in five popular jurisdictions and helps you budget for global trademark registration.

What Affects Trademark Registration Costs?

Before diving into specific pricing, let's explore the key factors that determine how much you'll pay to file for a trademark:

1. Number of Classes

Each trademark application must specify the goods and services your mark will cover, organized into "classes."

• Important: Each additional class requires a separate fee
• More classes = higher overall government costs
• Most small businesses register in 1-3 classes

2. Jurisdiction

Trademark fees vary significantly by country or region:

• Some offices charge higher filing fees
• Others add publication or examination fees
• Regional systems (like the EU) often provide better value for multi-country protection

3. Professional Assistance

Hiring trademark attorneys or agents typically costs:

• US $500–$2,000 (or local equivalent) for standard applications
• Fees vary based on complexity and location
• Services typically include application preparation, filing, and responding to office actions

4. Trademark Search & Clearance

Before filing, conducting a thorough search to ensure your trademark is available is essential:

• Comprehensive clearance searches cost US $300–$1,000
• Pricing depends on geographic scope and depth
• This investment helps prevent costly rejections and potential infringement issues

5. Maintenance & Renewal Fees

Trademarks aren't permanent without maintenance:

• Most jurisdictions require renewals every 10 years
• Budget for government renewal fees plus professional costs
• Failure to renew means losing your trademark rights

Sample Filing Fees by Country

> Note: All fees are approximate and exclude professional charges. Always verify current rates with the relevant trademark office as they may change periodically.

Budgeting Your Global Trademark Registration Project

DIY vs. Professional Registration

• DIY approach: Saves on agent fees but increases risks of:
  • Missing critical deadlines
  • Encountering objections you're unprepared to address
  • Receiving narrower protection than you need
• Professional assistance: Higher upfront cost but provides expertise and peace of mind

The Value of Trademark Searches

• Before applying to trademark a business name, invest in a proper search
• A thorough clearance search ($300-$1,000) prevents wasting money on applications likely to be refused
• Searches also help identify potential infringement issues before they become legal problems

International Registration Strategies

• Madrid System: Offers streamlined filing across 130+ member countries
  • Requires a ""base"" registration in your home country
  • Involves its own fee structure (base fee + country designation fees)
  • Can reduce overall costs for multi-country protection
• Direct national filings: Sometimes more appropriate for specific countries or situations

Hidden Costs to Consider

When budgeting how much to trademark a name and logo:

• Translation costs for non-English speaking jurisdictions
• Power of attorney fees in some countries
• Responding to office actions or oppositions
• Monitoring and enforcement expenses

For most businesses, proper trademark registration provides essential protection that far outweighs the costs. The exact price to trademark your name or logo depends on your specific needs, international goals, and budget constraints.

For a full walkthrough of the trademark process, see How Do I Trademark a Name?.