Originally published at https://chinaabroadguide.com/us-trademark-registration-cost/
US trademark registration costs more than the USPTO filing fee. Here's the real total cost breakdown including hidden expenses that catch most applicants off guard.
USPTO Filing Fees (2026)
The base USPTO fee depends on which application form you use:
- TEAS Plus: $250 per class — cheapest option, requires exact ID from USPTO's Acceptable Identification of Goods and Services Manual
- TEAS Standard: $350 per class — more flexibility in describing your goods/services
- Madrid Protocol (international): $100 base + per-country fees
Most trademarks are filed in 1-3 classes. A single-class filing runs $250-$350 in USPTO fees alone.
Attorney Fees (The Big Variable)
If you hire a trademark attorney (strongly recommended for business-critical marks):
- Simple trademark, 1 class: $500-$1,500 attorney fee
- Complex mark or multiple classes: $1,500-$3,000+
- Response to Office Action: $500-$1,500 extra if USPTO raises objections
Total realistic cost with attorney: $750-$2,500 for a straightforward filing.
DIY vs Attorney
Filing yourself saves $500-$1,500 but significantly increases rejection risk. USPTO rejects roughly 25-30% of applications, and an Office Action costs more to respond to than just hiring an attorney upfront.
Timeline
- USPTO examination: 8-12 months from filing
- Publication period: 30 days (opposition window)
- Registration certificate: 2-3 months after publication
For Chinese companies registering in the US, working with a US-licensed attorney is especially important — trademark law is US-jurisdiction-specific and Chinese IP firms cannot appear before the USPTO.
For a complete guide including step-by-step process and common pitfalls for Chinese businesses, see the full US trademark registration cost guide.
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