How to trademark a logo
Trademarking a logo means registering it with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to protect it from unauthorized use and secure exclusive rights. The process begins with a search on the USPTO's Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) to ensure your logo is unique and not already in use.
Your design must be distinctive and actively used in commerce to qualify for protection. Once verified, you can submit a trademark application online, providing details about the logo, its use, and associated goods or services.
The USPTO will then review your application, and if needed, request clarifications. Once approved, your logo will be officially registered, granting you legal protection and ownership rights.
Why Trademarking a Logo is important
Trademarking your logo provides legal protection and exclusive ownership, ensuring that no one else can copy or use it without permission. A registered logo differentiates your brand in a competitive market, creating trust and loyalty among customers while preventing confusion with similar businesses.
It also safeguards your investment in branding by securing your logo's identity, giving you the right to take legal action against infringement. Additionally, a trademarked logo enhances brand value, allowing you to license or franchise it for business expansion.
Exclusive rights
Gain exclusive ownership of your logo, preventing unauthorized use.
Brand Value
Keep your business identity unique and protected in a competitive marketplace.
Competitive Advantage
Strengthen your brand’s credibility and market presence with a legally protected logo.
Trademark your logo in 3 simple steps
Protect your logo with a quick, affordable, and hassle-free trademark registration process.
Select Trademark Type
Choose "Logo" as your trademark category to secure exclusive rights.
Provide Logo Details
Describe how your logo represents your brand and the products or services it will be associated with.
Choose Filing Countries
Select from 180+ countries to expand your logo’s trademark protection worldwide.
Select US Trademark filing plan
Subscription
$99 + govt fees
Watch service included
Get free infringement alerts on your mark.
$99/quarter (Free for 1 month)
NOTE: Subscription required for at least 2 billing cycles
Standard
$299 + govt fees
Watch service not included
Recommended
Premium
$499
/class
+ govt fees
Watch service included
Get free infringement alerts on your mark.
$99/quarter (Free for 1 month)
Comprehensive search included with common law search, and advisement on risks on a global basis from a U.S. licensed attorney.
Included in all plans
U.S. Licensed Attorney creates customized pre-filing advisement letter for you.
Personalized video advisement from U.S. licensed trademark attorney.
Google Meet / Zoom video consultation with U.S. licensed attorney.
Free Cease & Desist letter template.
Dedicated and assigned client relations attorney to each client.
U.S. Law firm assigned to you for opposition, litigation & watch legal advice. Free docketing of all international deadlines.
Assistance with International trademarks. Global infringement and business risk assessment in 100 + countries.
Understanding Trademark Costs for Your Business
The cost of trademarking a logo varies based on where you file and the specifics of your trademark. In the United States, the USPTO charges $350 per class for applications filed under Section 1 or 44, which covers standard trademark filings. For international applications filed through WIPO under Section 66(a) (Madrid Protocol), the fee is $600 per class.
Registering through Trademarkia's experienced attorneys can help streamline the process, minimize errors, and reduce unnecessary fees, ensuring your logo is legally protected.
When filing for a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), understanding the classification system is crucial. The USPTO divides goods and services into 45 distinct classes, each representing different categories. These classes help streamline the trademark registration process by organizing trademarks according to the types of goods or services they cover.
Choosing the correct classes is essential for protecting your brand and ensuring that your trademark covers all relevant areas of your business.
Examples of Trademarks
The phrase
"Shake it off"
The logo
The name
"Taylor Swift"
Examples of Copyrights
The entire song
"Shake it off"
A published
concert recording
The book "Eras Tour
Book"
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost to Trademark a Name and Logo?
Trademarking a name and logo requires filing two separate trademarks: one for the name and one for the logo. The basic filing fee for each trademark depends on the type of application required, with a new standard fee structure introduced by the USPTO effective January 18, 2025. The base application fee will be $350 per class for all applications.
Filing internationally incurs additional fees, with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) now setting a standard application fee of $600 per class, along with subsequent designation fees of $600 per class.
Read more in our FAQ: How Much Does It Cost to Trademark a Name and Logo.
How Does a Trademark Work?
A trademark safeguards your brand's unique identifiers such as names, logos, or slogans from unauthorized use. This grants you the exclusive right to use these elements, making your brand easily recognizable and unique for your customers.
Read more in our FAQ: How Does a Trademark Work
How Long Does a Trademark Last?
Technically, a trademark can last forever, that is, provided that it’s regularly renewed. In the United States, a mark is valid for 10 years from the registered date.
In the US, between the 5th and 6th year of your trademark registration, you’ll need to file what is known as a “Declaration of Use.” This confirms that your mark is still in use. Subsequent to this, you’ll need to file a Combined Declaration of Use and Application for Renewal every ten years.
Read more in our FAQ: How Long Does a Trademark Last