Protect your brand name, logo, and slogan with federal trademark protection. Secure your exclusive nationwide rights before someone else does.
Federal trademark registration gives you powerful, enforceable rights across the entire United States
Once registered, you have the exclusive legal right to use your mark in connection with your goods or services across all 50 states — even in markets you haven't entered yet.
Your registration gives you the legal standing to sue infringers in federal court and seek damages, injunctions, and attorney's fees. Without registration, your options are severely limited.
Only federally registered trademarks may display the ® symbol. This signals to competitors, customers, and partners that your brand is legally protected, deterring potential infringers.
A US federal registration serves as the basis for filing trademark applications in 100+ countries through the Madrid Protocol — significantly streamlining global brand protection.
You can record your registered trademark with US Customs and Border Protection to prevent importation of counterfeit goods bearing your mark.
A registered trademark is a business asset. It can be licensed, franchised, sold, or used as collateral. Investors and acquirers value businesses with protected intellectual property.
Many businesses mistakenly rely on state trademark registrations or common law trademark rights (using ™ symbol). While these provide some protection, they are significantly weaker than a federal USPTO registration.
State trademarks only protect you within that one state. Common law rights only protect you in the geographic area where you actually operate. A federal registration from the USPTO protects your brand across the entire United States — everywhere, from day one.
For any brand operating online or serving customers nationally, federal trademark registration is the only meaningful protection available.
Three steps from idea to registered trademark
We conduct a thorough search of the USPTO TESS database, state trademark registries, and common law sources to assess whether your mark is available and identify potential conflicts before you invest in filing fees.
We prepare and file your trademark application with the USPTO using the TEAS Plus form (the most cost-effective option). We select the correct international class(es), draft a precise description of goods/services, and submit your specimen of use.
A USPTO examining attorney reviews your application. If an Office Action is issued, we respond on your behalf. Upon approval, the mark is published for opposition. If no opposition is filed within 30 days, your trademark is registered and the certificate issued.
Trademarks are filed in specific international classes — choosing the right class is critical
The USPTO uses the Nice Classification system — 45 international classes that cover all goods and services. You must file in each class relevant to your business. USPTO fees are charged per class.
Not sure which class applies to your business? Book a free call and we'll identify the right classes before you spend a dollar on filing fees.
Transparent pricing — USPTO fees are in addition to our service fee
Full trademark search and application filing
service fee + USPTO TEAS Plus fee (~$350/class)
Full registration with ongoing brand monitoring
per year + USPTO TEAS Plus fee (~$350/class)
About USPTO Fees: The USPTO TEAS Plus filing fee is currently ~$350 per class of goods or services. This is a government fee paid directly to the USPTO and is separate from our service fee. Most businesses file in 1–2 classes. We'll help you determine exactly which classes you need before you pay any fees.
Federal trademark registration takes 8–12 months in total — here's what to expect
We conduct the trademark search, prepare your application, and file with the USPTO. You receive a filing receipt and serial number immediately upon submission.
A USPTO examining attorney reviews the application for compliance and conflicts. If an Office Action (objection) is issued, we respond on your behalf within the required timeframe.
Once approved by the examiner, your mark is published in the Official Gazette. Third parties have 30 days to oppose. If no opposition is filed, the application proceeds to registration.
Your trademark is officially registered. You receive a certificate of registration and may begin using the ® symbol. Your registration is valid for 10 years and renewable indefinitely.
Common questions about trademark registration
The ™ symbol can be used by anyone to indicate a claim of trademark rights, even without federal registration. However, it provides very limited legal protection. The ® symbol may only be used once your trademark has been officially registered with the USPTO. Using ® on an unregistered mark is a federal violation. Once registered, ® signals full federal protection and significantly deters potential infringers.
Yes. Non-US residents and foreign businesses can apply for and hold US federal trademarks. However, foreign applicants are required to have a US-licensed attorney represent them before the USPTO. We work with licensed trademark attorneys to handle all USPTO correspondence on your behalf, ensuring your application is fully compliant.
Not necessarily. You can file based on actual use in commerce (if you're already using the mark) or on an intent to use (if you plan to use it but haven't launched yet). An intent-to-use application reserves your priority date and gives you time to begin using the mark before the registration is finalized. We'll recommend the right basis for your situation.
A federal trademark registration is valid for 10 years from the date of registration and can be renewed indefinitely for additional 10-year periods. However, between the 5th and 6th year after registration, you must file a Section 8 Declaration of Continued Use to confirm you are still using the mark. We track these deadlines for clients in our monitoring plan.
A USPTO Office Action is not a final rejection — it's an official letter identifying issues the examiner has with your application. Common Office Actions include requests for clarification of goods/services descriptions or likelihood of confusion with an existing mark. Our service includes one Office Action response. We prepare a detailed legal response addressing each examiner concern to get your application back on track. Most Office Actions are successfully resolved with a well-crafted response.
Trademark rights go to the first to file, not the first to use. Book a free call today and we'll conduct a preliminary search and advise you on the best path forward.