A small business hoping to grow in a competitive market, the US needs to protect company resources such as land, labor, and equipment. Making sure that a company’s name, logo, and any other distinctive features that set it apart from competitors’ products or services receive a similar level of security is necessary. Trademark law protects these intellectual properties, and registering it requires completing an application with the USPTO.
Examining US Trademark Protection
Registering a trademark in the US entails a series of steps. The first action involves conducting a trademark search to avoid conflicts with existing pending registrations at the USPTO. It is strongly suggested that no applicant omit this search since it is a crucial stage in the process. Hiring an attorney for trademarks is usually necessary to perform a trademark search, and this could end up costing up to $300. Still, Kanakkupillai may manage search for your trademarks efficiently and affordably.
Two Tiers of Trademark Registration Available from the USPTO
- State Level: This relates to inexpensive and basic state-level trademark protection. Remember that the trademark is only allowed for use within the state in lieu of limited protection.
- Federal Level: One way to stop others from using your brand over the entire country is to register it federally. Additionally, you get the ability to print the symbol ® next to your trademarked materials to alert others to your legal ownership of the mark.
An individual trademark might be allowed per application, and the fee of each application varies from $250 to $350. The number of categories for products and services and the suitable level of protection determine how much the filing will cost. A separate application is necessary for each type of products and services that the application for a trademark includes.
The reality is that each application has a filing fee, which could increase the total cost. In comparison, the USPTO fees vary from $250 to $350 for 45 different products and service categories.
Via TEAS, applicants may submit two different types of trademark filing applications, each with a different cost:
TEAS Plus: $250 for each class of trademarks
The most economical of the two application processes, TEAS Plus, requires more stringent adherence to the rules (Trademark Rule 2.22). Additionally, it requires the applicant to restrict their application to the authorized classes of trademarks (the Trademark ID Manual lists these classes). According to USPTO regulations, email is the only means of communication for all TEAS Plus applicants.
TEAS Standard: $350 for each class of trademarks
TEAS Standard, which is more expensive than TEAS Plus, allows applicants to omit choosing classes from the groups of trademarks that have already been authorized. In addition, TEAS Standard is a faster procedure than TEAS Plus because it has fewer requirements than TEAS Plus.
By choosing TEAS Plus, you can lower the chance of application rejection by having the application fall into trademark classes that have been pre-approved.
Costs of Renewal
The cost to apply for a marked renewal after the ten-year trademarking period has passed can reach up to $500 for paper applications filed and $300 for electronic applications.
Perks of Opting for an Affordable Trademark Application Procedure
- The cost of filing for a trademark ranges from $225 to $400, depending on the type of trademark. Choosing a budget-friendly method for trademark registration may lead to cutting standard costs in half.
- The possibility of speedier registration than using a typical trademark application is another benefit of filing a trademark in an affordable way. For example, you can acquire an application for a trademark from certain internet businesses in less than a day. For companies that need to swiftly protect their intellectual property rights, this can be a major benefit.
- Finally, the process of registering a trademark may also be less complicated than the traditional process. Standard trademark applications need a large number of documents, filing fees, as well as additional administrative labor. Choosing an online trademark filing service provider facilitates quicker processes and saves time.
How Can you Register a Trademark in the US at a Cheaper Price?
Looking to save money on trademark registration in the US? Here are a few strategies to cut expenses:
- Conduct Your Own Investigation: Before submitting a trademark application, it’s crucial to perform your own research to ensure that the intended mark isn’t already in use. Doing this on your own can eliminate the need to hire a lawyer for the search.
- Filing in Bulk: Choosing to submit a large number of trademark applications simultaneously can lead to reduced costs.
- Make Use of an Online Service: You may file your trademark for less money with the help of a number of online services. These services let you file your application online, and they usually provide additional information to aid you in understanding the process and getting trademark approval.
- Consider Asking for Discounts: If you file numerous trademark applications, many online retailers and legal firms may offer you a discount. If you are submitting multiple trademark applications, make sure to inquire about receiving a discount.
- Remember to Explore Pro Bono Services: Utilizing various pro bono services can enable you to file your trademark for free or at a reduced rate. Startups and small businesses, unable to afford the full cost of trademark filing, often make use of these services.
Conclusion
You can consult Kanakkupillai for advice on the most economical way to file a trademark application. in the US. We will do research on trademarks, select trademark classes, prepare the application and the necessary paperwork, apply, and oversee the Examination, Publication, and Registration procedure by designating a licensed trademark attorney.
