US trademark registration fees and process

Summary

If your main sales market is the United States, or if you need Amazon US Brand Registry, a US trademark is usually worth evaluating early. Before filing, confirm the mark format, goods or services classes, filing basis, specimen needs, official fees, and conflict risk.

Basic concept

Federal trademarks are handled by the USPTO. Applicants typically need the mark, owner details, goods or services, class information, and a filing basis such as use in commerce or intent to use.

Process

1. Confirm the brand name and mark format.
2. Run an initial search for similar marks.
3. Select goods or services classes.
4. File the USPTO application.
5. Wait for formal and substantive examination.
6. Handle office actions, publication, opposition, and post-registration steps if needed.

Fees

As verified on July 17, 2026, the USPTO base application fee is USD 350 per class for a compliant electronic application. Missing required information, using the free-form goods and services text box, intent-to-use statements, and extensions can add official fees.

For a first-pass budget, use the trademark fee estimator and choose the United States plus the number of classes.

Common risks

• Likelihood of confusion with an existing mark.
• A mark that is too descriptive of the goods.
• Specimens that do not show trademark use.
• Goods or services wording that is too broad, narrow, or inaccurate.

How long does US trademark registration take?

There is no guaranteed timeline. Examination queues, office actions, publication, opposition, and intent-to-use statements can all extend the process. Treat any timeline as a planning range and check the current USPTO processing information before making a launch promise.

Documents and decisions to prepare

• Owner name and entity details that match the real rights holder.
• The exact word mark or design mark to be filed.
• Specific goods and services wording and class choices.
• Filing basis and, when relevant, specimens showing trademark use.
• Priority claims, translations, or foreign registration details when applicable.

Before filing

1. Use the class search tool to screen likely classes.
2. Use the fee estimator to check whether a multi-class budget is realistic.
3. If Amazon filing is the goal, review the Amazon Brand Registry trademark guide.
4. Before submission, verify conflict risk through official databases and professional advice.