When it comes to trademarking your business name or logo, there are a lot of things that impact the costs of registration.
What is a Trademark?
The first step is understanding what a trademark is and how it can protect your brand identity. A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, or design that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods or services from those of others. A strong trademark can help build customer loyalty by creating an association in the minds of consumers between your products or services and a certain level of quality. It can also help you to prevent competitors from using similar branding that could confuse customers and damage your business.
What are the types of Trademarks?
One factor impacting costs is the type of trademark you wish to register. There are three main types of trademarks: word marks, which include any combination of words or letters; logo marks, which feature a graphical element; and sound marks, which are registered based on a recognizable sound. The cost of trademark registration for each of these types can vary depending on the jurisdiction in which you file your application.
Domestic and International Trademark Registration
Another factor that will affect trademark registration cost is the number of jurisdictions in which you wish to register your trademark. In the United States, trademark registration typically costs between $225 and $400 per trademark application. However, if you wish to register your trademark in multiple jurisdictions, the overall cost can increase significantly. One way to reduce the cost of trademark registration in multiple jurisdictions is to use an international trademark registration service like the Madrid Protocol. The Madrid Protocol is an international treaty that allows trademark holders to file a single application to register their trademark in multiple countries. By filing your trademark application online and using an international trademark registration service like the Madrid Protocol, you can save money on trademark registration fees.
What is the cost of a Trademark search?
A trademark search is an essential step in the process of applying for a trademark. The search can help you to determine whether your proposed trademark is already in use, and it can also uncover potential problems that could result in the rejection of your application. While the cost of a trademark search varies depending on the lawyers you hire, the USPTO charges a filing fee of $350 per class of goods or services. Therefore, the total cost of a trademark search will depend on the number of classes you are searching. In addition to the monetary cost, it is important to consider the time investment required to complete a thorough search. So, how much does a trademark search cost? Unfortunately, there is no simple answer because it depends on a lot of factors. However, lawyers usually charge between $500 and $1,500 for a search report.
Need a Trademark Lawyer?
If you are thinking about trademarking your business name or logo, Spiller Law would be happy to help. Please feel free to contact us for a free consultation.
Spiller Law is a San Francisco business and entertainment law firm and offers contract drafting and negotiation services to its clients. Feel free to arrange a free consultation by resorting to the Schedule Appointment link on our website. For other questions, feel free to call our offices at 415-991-7298.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers are advised to consult with their own legal counsel for specific advice.