Affordable Methods to Secure Your Trademark

Affordable Methods to Secure Your Trademark

When launching a new business, one of the essential steps is obtaining a trademark for your brand name. This helps protect your brand identity and prevents others from capitalizing on your reputation by creating similar businesses or names. There are cost-effective ways to secure a trademark, and below are three of the most affordable options.

Register Your Business Name Locally

Registering your business name at the state level is often the most economical route, offering protection within your state borders only.

If your business is officially registered, your name is recognized in your state, preventing other local businesses from registering the same name. Costs vary by state, typically ranging from $50 to $150, especially if registering a trade name or DBA (Doing Business As) for sole proprietors or partnerships.

Trademark Registration via USPTO

Filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is a cost-effective way to obtain a nationwide trademark. You can apply online through the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS), which is more affordable than paper applications—fees start at $225 per class of goods or services. This method grants protection across the entire country.

Utilize Online Legal Services

If hiring a lawyer isn’t feasible, online legal platforms like LegalZoom, Legal-Sherpa, Trademarks411, and Trademarkia can assist with the application process. These services typically charge between $150 and $200, plus the government filing fees, making them an affordable alternative for trademark registration.